Thank you for your reviews: Raikiri80, crowlady, SasuSakuKawaii, ILoveSxS, LadyMartel4000, ChErRyBlOsSoM274, HopelessRomanticSinceBirth, Nameless Blossom, xXLindy-ChanXx831, OXPrimrosexAngelXO, Wings Of Silver Wishes, Black-Alice-Star, Dayshell, Whadeby, LovelySakura777!
Whoa! More than 100 reviews! I can't thank you enough for your amazing support! Last chapter obviously got the most of it! I am so excited! Please keep all those amazing reviews coming if you don't mind! ^.^
IMPORTANT: In case you were wondering I just changed my name from Aelia Mikoto Uchiha to Aen Silver Fire! ^.^
Dayshell: I couldn't PM you so I am replying to you this way. I have read a lot of stories where Sakura was ridiculously OOC. I tried to have Sakura in my story relatively close to the real character but not exactly (I am obviously not that talented and it's an AU story after all so some things are bound to change because of the 'environment' the characters are placed in). Your review was for the fourth chapter, so I don't know if you have read it all, but I hope you will realize that Sakura is in no way perfect in my story. On the contrary, she screwed up a lot and she is going to do it again in the future. I never thought that someone would ever consider the Sakura in my story 'perfect' as one that cannot do wrong. She is quite capable though I cannot deny that. I would like to say that in my opinion Sakura is not meant to look weak(especially at Naruto Shippuuden) but not ridiculously strong either so I tried to keep some kind of balance in my story too. Anyway I do respect your opinion and thank you very much for reviewing.
LovelySakura777: I am so happy to see you reviewing again! ^.^ Make sure to get some rest my friend! Well, I just wanted to point out that Sasuke had almost everything figured out. Sasuke, Neji, Shino and of course Shikamaru had made the connections, but they weren't ready to share them with their friends. When Shikamaru dropped the hint they were at last relieved that what they were suspicious about was right. Sasuke suspected what Sakura and the girls really are after 'the classroom incident', but it's true that he haven't seen everything yet. Hm Itachi is sneaky...he knows many many things actually. ;)
A/N: Previous chapter things: It was the 'you screwed up time' along with the 'most reviews' time, ne? I guess it's fine. I should have expected it at some point. T.T I was asked about is so I wanted you to know that I haven't forgotten about Hinata's birthday and Christmas time, be sure about it ;) Secondly, if anyone of you has any questions about the 'government system' please go to the end of this chapter and you might find some very useful information.
Ok...so you see I had this problem...This whole chapter was originally around 17,000 words! Which means it was a gigantic monster, don't you think? I couldn't just leave it like this so I had to cut it eventually, even though I did not want to. T_T
Please enjoy( At least I hope you will)!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto characters, only the plot of the story.
.:Binds of My Duty and Love:.
Chapter 12
~Revelation Ceremony~
~Part 1~
~Nobility~
You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.
Aristotle
"Lords and Ladies, Clan Leaders of Nobility and dearest heirs, please welcome the new generation of Honorable Guardians, the next Philakes."
Sakura was petrified, like another one of the stones adorning the walls around the Hall. Tears started welling up in her eyes, but they never escaped their confines. Anguish washed her entire body making her muscles stiff and rigid, cold sweat was her prison and an invisible impediment casted from the ancient arcane magic plagued her senses…a sort of an uncontrollable gale. Was it angst, anticipation, fear?
Bright lights focused on her form and thousands of candles embellishing the perimeter of the room blurred her vision that was already hindered due to the pesky and salty droplets of tears that were yet to leave her jade eyes.
All she could make out now was distant noises, very remote, like coming from another world and the warm tight hands of her friends engulfing hers as if they were each other's last hope.
Maybe that was indeed the case. Maybe they were each other's hope for survival.
Sakura swallowed her dripped with poison saliva trying to alleviate the dryness of her arid mouth, always striving to slow down her racing heart.
Her forest colored eyes could not face the world anymore, so she unconsciously chose to dip her head, to bow in order to protect herself from the headlights and the unwanted eyes now fixated on this pensive and now dejected small pinkette.
And yet, despite having all those imponderable feelings nesting inside her, this pinkette was expected to pad bravely, briskly, without a hint of fear or doubt. Was it even possible?
"Walk…" a low whisper came to wake Sakura from her slumber and trepidation.
Was that Konan-senpai?
Like lifeless robots, puppets guided by an unbidden source of power, the girls silently, instinctively obeyed and moved their legs following a steady pattern embedded to them since they learnt the concept of walking all those years ago. Surprisingly their gait was balanced, firm and did not falter like the girls feared it would.
"Let's show them what we are made of, ok?" Sakura surprisingly found Temari murmuring only for them to hear and her peripheral vision caught the rest of the girls nodding mutely, their heads still dipped.
After Temari's exhort, the Philakes freed their hands with slow fluid movements and each one chose to march gracefully, briskly, pursuing, valiantly following the small path the Organizers of tonight's Ceremony had opened for the girls to pass.
Sakura walked imperiously, like the rest of the Philakes, now full of newly-discovered determination that up until now was dug deep within under the heavy layers of unanticipated fear. Upon seeing the girls march gallantly more cheering and applauding reached Sakura's ears. The young woman tried to hold within the tiny self-complacent smile that unexpectedly threatened to submerge and place itself on her lips, never to waver again.
Sakura dared to raise her head timidly, her pink locks dancing behind her every movement. She was now able to perceive the crowds of unknown people sitting around the hall in tall exalted grandstands placed higher than the path the girls walked, making the Hall resemble a rectangle theater and the girls the new actors expected to act to the play. Was all this just a show in the end?
All people wore formal dresses and suits. It seemed like the scene was taken straight out of a movie or a fairytale. The hall resembled the medieval architecture like the rest of the Mansion, but the guests looked quite modern by the attires they wore. However, the pinkette could spot some older ladies wearing long dresses derived straight out of a Renascence painting.
Sakura couldn't help but slightly gape at their blatant displays of good looks, wealth, power, superiority. Those people had a purpose too: They came here to amaze the 'spectators', even though Sakura and the rest of the Guardians were the unquestionable highlight of the evening. Politics...Nobility...Beauty...Power...Wealth... really who could ever escape from their traps?
If the rosette thought the grandstands at her sides, right and left, were full of luxury and people with enough lavishness to obfuscate her senses, then she was surely hasty to state an opinion. For straight ahead of her, where her prideful vibrant emerald eyes rested for an infinitesimal moment was a grandstand exalted even higher than all the rest and adorned with colorful and yet dark gemstones and priceless deep colored fabrics like drapes securing privacy from the rest of the people attending the Ceremony.
The soft inviting red carpet beneath Sakura's feet guided the girls to that very grandstand that apparently was the place for all the Court and the Alpha Nobles to stand and observe. It was the place where the higher ranks were supposed to be seated.
At the center of the said grandstand was a huge throne and what seemed like a silent recondite, dark man was stationed there, mutely, mysteriously waiting. For a moment Sakura though his eyes burnt on hers, but he was currently still hidden under a canopy, being situated in the back of the grandstand. Those eyes...the contact...it must have been her imagination, an effect from the unexpected velocity of her marching.
The pinkette felt like she was dissected, left bare, naked in the mercy of insatiable foes and did the only thing that came to her mind. She bowed her head again, her eyes went downcast to avoid the glacial contact of senses. It was rather difficult to focus straight forward anyway, because of the bright lights that blurred her vision. She couldn't even make out any face of those Nobles.
Sakura continued walking proudly, until all the Philakes reached the smallest stand placed just before the highest grandstand and finally ceased their movements not yet brave enough to stare at the front seats placed just before them.
In the meantime a pair of coruscating charcoal eyes captured the scene within their dark abyss, but this black pair was not the only one fixated on the enthralling group of women. Lots of eyes, varied in color were staring avidly at the seven Guardians waiting for the long-awaited Ceremony to begin.
All seven of the Philakes took their places on the stand, capturing their sentiments and digging them deep inside, like inmates awaiting the verdict from the judge's strict and merciless lips. Quite frankly this seemed to be the case.
A peculiar-looking man with short dark and spiky hair got up from his seat –just under the highest grandstand- and locked his dark eyes on the girls. Apparently he was the one making the announcements today.
"Holly Glorified Nobles of the Alpha List of Honor, Respected Nobles of the Beta List of Honor, Members of the Imperial Court, Honorable Members of the Council, Committee Representatives, Philax Academy Representatives, Active Philakes and dear members of our Regular Population." The man addressed everybody and all sounds ceased. Every one held their breaths, expecting the grand moment of Revelation to commence.
"Remaining ever faithful to our Holly Ancestors' wishes and strictly following and commemorating the Heritage they all so nobly graced us with, our Pact of trust and commitment, we once again gathered here to witness the next Revelation Year come to an end, with the Revelation Day, our glorious Ceremony and the upcoming Ritual of appointing Philakes for our next generation of Holy Nobles."
Sakura swallowed slowly, deeply and closed her eyes shut for a second to calm her now uncontrollable, acute, incessant feelings and senses. It felt like she was about to explode inside, like this world, this body was not enough to contain her existence anymore.
Ino at her left and Hinata at her right seemed to be in the same dreadful situation of impeccable agony. Sakura was not alone in this. Bewilderment was all around the young women and threatened to devour not only Sakura but the rest of the Guardians as well.
"I will now proceed to announce and present the names of our Philakes." The man declared and took a small pile of leaflets to his hands. Sakura's eyes jerked towards the person that was practically in front of her, waiting for the beginning of her end. Probably that was it…the beginning of the end.
The girl could now feel the glacial looks and penetrating stares everyone was giving at the Guardians, draining their mental and physical energy like the girls were leaves and feathers left in the mercy of a hurricane. Thankfully, only slight murmurs could be heard that soon died down in this deafening silence and heart-breaking anticipation.
"As the older one of the Alphas, we have the honor to firstly welcome Sabaku no Temari of the Sabaku Clan of Elementals included in the Alpha List of Honor as an Elemental of Wind."
The silence was no more. Fervent clapping and cheering could be heard, echoing around the Grand room. Sakura was now able to see that Temari had no other choice but to make a step forward and bow her head in acknowledgment for her name and identity.
So she was an Elemental. Sakura should have known…Temari was a specialist at the Wind Element techniques. It was rather obvious if you were determined enough to investigate and find out.
"The Sabaku Clan of Suna is glad to welcome you back in our World, Philax Temari." The announcer said and Temari bowed again in an affirmative manner.
Sakura almost thought she saw Temari's clenched palms glisten from the cold sweat her bottled up feelings produced and her beautiful eyes tremble from her internal turmoil.
Strange…the one Philax that could cause a mayhem, a hurricane with a swing of her fan now had an internal storm, an intellectual gale to deal with and that trepidation did not look like it was about to subside soon.
"Next, Hyuuga Hinata of the Legendary Hyuuga Clan of Vampires, included of course in the Alpha List of Honor as a Vampire graced with a Dojutsu technique, the Byakugan."
Sakura felt Hinata tremble tangibly beside her and made sure to give one last squeeze of encouragement to Hinata's hand. Hinata glanced over Sakura with her pearly eyes full of ardent agony. Sakura smiled gently at the perpetually coy girl and beckoned her to step forward, to finally face the world and counter properly, like only Hinata knew the way.
Hinata gulped slowly and gingerly made one step in the front, her tremble more than obvious to the pinkette's eyes. Sakura couldn't help but admire the young Hyuuga's proud posture, even though the girl's trepidation was quite tangible. Hinata was strong but her strength was not one to be found in muscles' powers. It was deep within. She might be shy, and always prone to fainting, but Hinata's soul contained unmatched fervent energy strong enough as a horde of soldiers. All Hinata needed to express that was the right push. Sakura, knowing the kind Hinata, was able to see through the girls' tremble and detect this all so beautiful pulsating power of the Hyuuga.
When Hinata moved, unbelievable and unanticipated acclamations flooded the Hall and the clapping almost made Sakura want to cover her ears.
Hinata was sure that a small timid smile played on her lips from the overwhelming acknowledgment she received and bowed her head like Temari did.
"The Hyuuga Clan of Konoha welcomes you back in the lines of Nobility, Philax Hinata."
The shy pale girl nodded and stood proudly again, her trembling not as tangible, but she made sure to intertwine her hands tightly with each other to contain all her feelings inside somehow and not let them surface and explode. If they were to appear, it was more than certain that Hinata would faint, despite her inner power.
"Moving on. Akaikami Karin of the Uzumaki Clan of Werewolves, included in the Alpha List of Honor that from now on will be named back as Uzumaki Karin."
Sakura's mind has nearly stopped working for a second.
Wait…what? What did he just say? Uzumaki? Could it be? No…now way…they must be mistaken…They are not even alike. It must be another crazy coincidence. Yeah that was it.
Stupid Sakura thinking of all kinds of irrationalities just to ease your anxiety. Pathetic! Stop trying to see phantoms and conspiracies were they do not exist! Focus!
So Karin was a werewolf all along? It actually makes sense…she was always ready to bite off Sakura's head anyway.
Said girl haughtily stepped forward too and swiftly bowed. People handclapped and cheered again, but that made Sakura wonder and contemplate deeply.
Do they have any idea what Karin is really like? Probably not...They would never cheer for her like that if they actually knew her like Sakura -regrettably- did.
The only explanation Sakura could now conclude to was that those people must only cheer for the sake and honor of the so called Uzumaki Clan and not for Karin herself. The Uzumakis apparently are Alphas after all, therefore a warm welcome was to be expected. But…wait again…does that mean that Karin is a child of an Alpha Noble? Something definitely is wrong here.
Sakura almost couldn't hold herself from huffing, but fortunately she managed to contain it in the last minute.
Karin as an Alpha Noble? Good grief!
"The Uzumaki Clan of Konoha welcomes you back with open arms, Philax Karin."
Karin nodded and bowed again gaining back her proud posture again. Sakura successfully managed to hold her scowl within too.
What was that hate for Karin now all of a sudden? She hadn't caught herself wishing for misfortunes to plague Karin since she was 12 years of age and that was after Karin made sure to fill Sakura's bag with wet toilet paper.
Maybe something woke up inside the pinkette and started kicking for retaliation somehow. Quite frankly, this was the worst time for such repressed feelings to emerge.
The Announcer continued to read out the names of the girls, completely unaware of the inward mayhem inside the rosette.
"Proceeding to the Betas… Yamanaka Ino of the Yamanaka Clan of Telepathists included in the Beta List of Honor."
"Here goes nothing…" Sakura could hear Ino mumble, probably to somehow express her agony and the pinkette couldn't help but snicker a little for Ino's antics. At any rate though it was just like Ino to turn the situation at hand in her own 'favor', even if that means that she has to make fun of something highly important to defuse her tension.
The blonde stepped forward too and another wave of cheering and clapping roamed around the Hall.
Ino bowed like the previous girls did, but, being Ino, she made sure to do it in a flashy way. Typical Yamanaka Ino… The crazy blonde all came to eventually love.
But for goodness' sake! Did she even have to flip her hair this way?
"The Yamanaka Clan of Konoha salutes you as another gifted Telepath, Philax Ino."
"Glad to be back." Ino smiled back instigating a wave of awkward laughter from the audience. No one expected a Philax to be so bold in a time such as this.
Sakura inwardly slapped her palm against her face for her friend. What if the Nobles considered that too brash, like a bad thing, a disadvantage, an audacity even?
Sakura now had to pray for Ino now certainly…Pray that there will be a Master crazy enough to have her, accept her. To be completely honest with herself though Sakura knew Ino was more than capable for her position. The thing is that the beloved younger blonde of the group had quite a flashy personality that could never be ignored.
"Next is: Tenten of the long-deceased Uzagi Clan* of Elementals included in the Beta List of Honor as an Elemental of Metal control."
Sakura found herself amazed yet again.
So that explains Tenten's obsession with weaponry…she is an Elemental that controls metal! It even makes a rhyme… Sakura couldn't help but snicker.
Tenten's warm hazel eyes glimmered with enthusiasm. Finally Tenten was not nameless anymore. She had a name, a lost one yes, but it is a name. And she now has a small inkling for her abilities. She is an Elemental! She controls metal!
Sakura could see Tenten's tacit display of courage, determination and indescribable glee. Gracefully Tenten stepped forward too and bowed as well.
Sakura felt utter bliss for her friend. Tenten must be excited now. She most certainly should be! It was Tenten's moment to gain back a past, a lineage and make the next step towards her future.
"Since your bloodline, Clan and family are lost, we all welcome you back, Philax Tenten." the man told her and Tenten bowed deeply again in acknowledgment and appreciation.
Sakura found a small smile ghosting her lips, without being able to contain it. How mush she wished for the girls to whirl around to see her honest smile...
"Now please greet, Haruno Sakura of the unique but unfortunately almost completely deceased specially nominated Haruno Clan of Healers and Puppeteers included of the Beta List of Honor, as a Healer."
Sakura felt her heart pound and her breath hitch. Everything inside her body squelched and then exploded evoking fireworks of unfathomable lights.
It was...something…something was overpowering her, and making her lose control of her body.
Specially nominated? Unique?
Healers? Puppeteers? She had never heard of such a Clan before.
So Sakura was a Healer after all! No wonder Tsunade trained only her in medical jutsu.
But…Something…something inside her flinched and begged for answers, was thirsty for information. Like something was amiss, like a small but crucial detail, a tiny particularity that could make a difference; it felt like it was right there and Sakura just couldn't snatch it, like an impenetrable and invisible fortress was built just to deter her from achieving, grabbing that one information, that minor but nonetheless important detail.
As of cue the exact moment she started pondering about this unwavering and imponderable impediment, a migraine of sorts stormed her mind and stifled her entire being. And then left as fast as it came leaving only an uncomfortable numb as evidence, like the girl was hit for a split second by a invisible imaginable hammer and then just realized that the hammer was not real, only a mirage.
What one earth was that?
However something inside of her begged and commanded her to move, to make her own step towards the world.
Stunningly Sakura's lax and at the same time rigid muscles moved, winced and placed her body a little forward.
The pinkette bowed upon perceiving and apprehending the loud acclamations on her behalf. She never expected such loud voices to fill her senses the welcoming cheering plague her entire system compelling her to blush uncontrollably.
They were all applauding for Sakura….
"The last two remaining members of the Haruno Clan and -as requested- the Uchiha Clan of the Alpha List of Honor, welcome you as the last Haruno Healer, Philax Sakura."
Sakura bowed again, but then she felt her body numb, paralyzed again, like she was just electrocuted. Just how many shocks was she about to experience during just one night? Sakura felt mortified.
Say what?
Two remaining members of the Haruno Clan? What was that supposed to mean? The Harunos were supposed to be eradicated from the face of the earth. Sakura was told she was the absolute last of her kin. Indeed apparently she is the last Healer. So that means that the other two remaining Members were puppeteers? That's why she was specially nominated? No…it can't be!
Was a Clan supposed to give birth to two species? The term 'unique' was not enough to satisfy Sakura's curiosity. Maybe that was the special nomination for-…
Oh…this is so confusing and…strange.
Last Haruno Healer…it sounded…peculiar…odd…and being last is always cold…
Were the two last Haruno her parents? This doesn't seem to be the case. If they were her parents they would have come to greet her like Ino's and Hinata's and Temari's closest relatives did.
So the secretary from before might have been right after all. Could Sakura have an older brother waiting for her somewhere around? Somewhere in this very room? A Supernatural Aniki? Someone to call Ni-san? A family to rely on, despite being a Philax?
And then the most hard and painful realization hit her. It was worse than the previous momentarily migraine.
U-Uchi- Uchiha Clan?
They have got to be joking….
Sakura couldn't help it. She insatiably jerked her head towards the great grandstand in front of her. Her sharp emerald eyes wandering, drifting, researching, inspecting and then…every wire connected.
She gasped.
Now standing before her up straight and clapping vividly, with eyes locked on her were the so hated and yet so unbelievably loved… Uchiha Kyoudai (=Brothers).
Uchiha Itachi was there, proud as always, enthralling, appealing like a God like he always was. And now that man was standing before Haruno Sakura in the Revelation Day, snickering and applauding for her, charcoal eyes locked on the petite pinkette. In this very day, when she was about to acquire a Master to serve, at this very day and at this very place were the Noblest of Noble Clans were situated, it didn't make sense for him to be there….
And just next to Itachi, if you looked at his left, a divine but sadistically smirking, devious Sasuke… The Uchiha Sasuke, as mesmerizing and dazzling as ever, was surprisingly clapping as well. Onyx clashed with emerald again, and for once more Sakura felt trapped, captivated, caged in those never ending pools of inviting darkness and purification.
Indeed…he was staring at Sakura now and the girl couldn't help the goose bumps and jitters that traveled down her spine and overwhelmed her body. Hopefully her bewilderment and agitation was not as tangible as Sakura feared it was.
He was so beautiful, Sasuke was so…enticing, his way of standing was in a way sensual, seductive, magical, spellbinding.
They both were astounding, wonderful with their formal suits and enthralling mesmerizing visages, dark eyes, and tall figures.
Next to Itachi, at his right side, was a sullen man, standing proudly as an eagle, a lion, a King, a god of wrath and silence that commanded and spelled veneration and awe. He resembled the two Uchihas a lot, especially the oldest one, like family members do. Sakura's guess was that he probably was their father.
He surely was intimidating and looked quite stern and strict. He possessed some of Sasuke and Itachi's features but the most distinctive one was the coldness, that so much resembled Sasuke's frosty glares and nerve-wrecking smirks. He couldn't be more distant relative than an Uncle. It just couldn't be.
Next to Sasuke was a middle-aged woman -although you would never have guessed her real age if you were not a Philax- almost identical to the younger Uchiha. She was pale, elegant and in a few words beautiful, astounding, breathtaking. Was she their mother? It certainly looks like it… No wonder her sons turned out this way. She had Sakura gape and gawk at her beauty and proud and elegant posture, at her dark eyes that darted kindness and at the same time igniting flames of decisiveness and power.
And then, Sakura perceived another detail that made her heart beat erratically, by…probably fear and horror. The dark man standing in the shadows some moments ago resting on the resplendent throne was now up, applauding indifferently, unceremoniously for the young guardian. But…he did bother to applaud at all, right?
Uchiha…Alpha List of Honor…It can't be.
"Oi! Sakura-chan!" a boisterous voice called. Sakura whirled her head to face the source. Just two seats away from Sasuke a blonde young man with unruly hair and shining smile stood, whistling and clapping like a five year old, waved at her excitedly.
Uzumaki Clan…Alpha List of Honor…
No. Damn. Way!
"Sakura, you are gawking." She heard a voice chiding.
The rosette snapped her head to face Ino at her left with eyes wide, full of astonishment and wonderment.
"Did you see-?" Sakura trailed off.
"Aa. When I stepped forth. They are…"
"Naruto-kun is…he called for me too when I stepped forward." Hinata mumbled and tightened her grip at her own hands.
Except though from the almost perpetually hyperactive Naruto, there was another 'greeting' at hand, that demanded Sakura's attention.
Why did the Uchiha Clan greet and welcome her? Was that a joke? A scoff? Did Sasuke plan this all to humiliate her? Could he?
Oh Kami-sama! Please have mercy!
"You have a family, ne?" another voice addressed Sakura. The pinkette whirled her head again to face Tenten next to Ino, looking at Sakura completely flabbergasted too.
"That's your problem? You turned out an Elemental, my Clan is 'special', Naruto and that stupid bastard, Sasuke are Alpha Nobles and that's your question, Tenten?" Sakura asked appalled, whispering and yet not. It was a loud whisper perfectly suited for scolding her dear friend.
"Are you even supposed to chit-chat? Sasuke-kun is looking at us!" Karin reproved them glaring at the girls from her place at Tenten's left side. Sakura couldn't restrain herself from glaring back at Karin grimly.
Now will you look at that! Karin found out that she is an Alpha and now no one is ever going to hear the end of it. Peachy…just peachy! That was all that Sakura wanted and needed to make her feel her life is 'complete'.
"Actually, there is not only the Uchiha and the Uzumaki. Look closer." Temari whispered too with her eyes locked on the grandstand.
"What?" Sakura mumbled but she could not say or do anything else at this point. It was the turn for the last Philax to present herself now.
"Lastly, for a second time we have Konan of the deceased Shinigami Clan of Elementals, included in the Beta List of Honor, as an Elemental of Paper." The announcer said and many kinds of whispers and even hooters could be heard from all the grandstands.
Sakura turned to see Konan, who still was undeterred, but the pinkette felt horrible inside, even though Sakura was not to be blamed for that whatsoever.
Why such treatment for Konan-senpai?
The blue-haired maiden stepped forward but she never bowed, nor did she make any move to acknowledge or react for anything on the matter other than stepping forward to meet the girls' line. She was looking stoic and apathetic, probably waiting for unraveled mysteries to be discovered by or within the ranks of Nobility.
Nobody knew what exactly Konan was waiting for. Sakura surely didn't.
"And again we welcome you Philax Konan of the Shinigami Clan of Ame and we are looking forward into cooperating with you at last." The man said seemingly apathetically, but Sakura could detect his acute scowl and slightly demeaning tone.
What on earth did Konan do last time here? Could it be so horrible as to deserve such harsh treatment?
Why is this world so damn crazy anyway?
The blue-haired Philax took her place at Hinata's right, making the line of Philakes start from the left with Temari followed by Karin, Tenten, Ino, Sakura, Hinata, and lastly at the right end, Konan.
All girls stood proudly, elegantly, nobly, haughtily but not arrogantly like the true Warriors they were.
"Now I can proudly present you the Noble males granted the honorable concession of obtaining a trained Philax." The announcer declared stoically. Sakura focused her gaze on the man and was finally collected enough to read the small tablet he had on his costume reading "Yamashiro Aoba".
Some kind of hasty movements could be detected at the front grandstand. It seemed like the Noble heirs considered the last announcement as their cue to present themselves.
Sakura swallowed hard again. She dared not look at the grandstand so she tried to perceive their moves just by hearing and maybe by using her peripheral vision.
Apparently, the Heirs -and most likely their parents just behind them- took their places at the front row of the grandstand standing imperiously, royally, their every breath spelling regality.
The pink-haired guardian tried to suppress and hopefully abate and defuse her fears and decided to counter properly, by facing and taking down the impediment, the problem, the cause of trepidation and agony head on for the sole purpose of wining and conquering the presented challenge.
Sakura couldn't help but gawk again though. It was probably unfortunate that she could now make out their faces. It would probably be better is she couldn't. It would be best and wishful thinking that she couldn't, because now there was only a slim chance for Sakura to eradicate the feeling of fear from inside her shocked heart.
The line of male Heirs of the Supernatural Nobility evoked powerful shivers that run down Sakura's spine. Her eyes widen in awe. Having met some of the people now presented to her should make her feel better, safer, reassured and hardly as surprised as she was now. And yet this feeling of reverence and regard that was now threateningly emerging could never be ignored. Were those feelings supposed to be there? It's true that she has encountered them before but now they looked...different.
They were intimidating, royal, Noble to the core….
Most likely the other girls thought so as well. Only Temari and Konan were still stoic and calm. Temari must have found out when she stepped forward, at least that's what her nods and reactions indicated. Konan though…well Konan…
"And let the party begin…." Konan mumbled, gaining the attention of all the rest of the Philakes.
"Konan-senpai, you knew about this?" Ino asked beyond shocked.
"Of course I did." She bluntly retorted.
"Then why didn't you say anything?" Tenten asked back with their newly-invented 'scolding-whisper' of indignation.
"I vowed for secrecy, remember?" Konan simply said winking at Sakura and Hinata who were merely speechless.
"Firstly, as usual, the Nobles of the Alpha List of Honor." Aoba-san started again glancing at his papers, at the Noble heirs on the grandstand and at the young Philakes still standing on the smallest stand closer to the ground.
"Heir of the Hyuuga Clan of dojutsu users Vampires, Alpha List of Honor: Hyuuga Neji-sama."
At this announcement the acclamations were ten times greater than those meant for the Philakes if that was even possible. Sakura was now slightly, just a tiny bit jealous, but then again this was to be expected. The Noble Clan heirs were living in the Supernatural World since the day they were born. They have connections, they have established relationships and most likely they have made a name for themselves already. Sakura and the Philakes could not match that. The girls were the new-comers.
The proud Hyuuga majestically stepped forward, in the same manner as the girls did before, but Neji was much too elegant, much too splendid to compare, and finally bowed with grace unmatched.
Neji's formal suit was simply dazzling on him, his long brown hair mesmerizing, his moon-like eyes enthralling.
Sakura sighed and closed her eyes for an infinitesimal moment. So that explains many many things.
How stupid of them not to realize it. The evidence was there, right?
And yet Sakura knew this was not entirely the girls' fault….
This was intentional from the very beginning! They purposely placed all of them in the same class. Damn the Council and their sick sadistic games!
"So you are indeed related, Hina-chan." Ino murmured only for the girls to hear. Hinata on the other hand was simply glued, staring at Neji in awe.
"Next, is the one Heir that chose to delay the appointment of a Philax five years ago; the Heir of the Uchiha Clan of dojutsu users Vampires, Alpha List of Honor: Uchiha Itachi-sama."
Well, that was indeed... that was all it took for the swooning and cheering, the hollers and clamors to shake the building from beneath, staggering even the roots, making every object, every person vibrate ferociously.
Itachi imperiously walked forward and bowed gently, smiling at the crowd, especially at the young -and for crying out loud at the older- women who started screaming like fervent teenagers much to Sakura's utter shock and bewilderment.
"Welcome back Itachi-sama!"
"Itachi-sama, look here! Here!"
"Please consider marrying my daughter!"
"Uchiha-sama, you look amazing!"
Sakura gasped at those cries of desperation. So crazy fan girls do exist in the Supernatural World too… Damn! No one can be saved from their dangerous claws after all no matter where one may go?
Poor Itachi-san! Eehh…no…Itachi-sama would be the right suffix. Itachi was not just the kind drop-dead gorgeous senior anymore. He was an Alpha Vampire Noble and... a soon to-be Master of a Philax.
Itachi as gentle and gracious as always smiled kindly and bowed again like a proper gentleman refusing though to acknowledge the most outrageous comments he received.
What is all this? Sakura felt exasperated. Is it a serious Ceremony or a musical concert? Is it just Sakura or have they indeed 'transformed' the Holy Ceremony to something un-virtuous? Even the announcer speaks like he is declaring the new Model of the year (which mind you was not that inaccurate since those boys were damn handsome.)
Ok…blaming the announcer probably was irrational, but can you blame Sakura for being spiteful towards all those people swooning around members of the Uchiha Clan?
Sakura though managed to grasp another piece of information. Aoba-san mentioned the connotation 'dojutsu users' meaning people who utilize eye techniques like the Byakugan. Did the Uchihas posses something similar? If that's the case, another pile of questions and doubts was about to be dissolved at last and hopefully Sakura will finally unbind the rope and reveal the secret code behind the puzzle. Hopefully…
And with Itachi being here as the Heir, Sakura was left with another pile of questions that arose just recently, in fact they were created the moment Sakura dared look again at Itachi's left where he stood.
"Now, part of the reason why Itachi-sama was late to receive a Guardian: The second-born of the Uchiha Clan of dojutsu users Vampires, and the first second-born to meet the necessary conditions of the Fourth Guideline of the Pact for centuries, Uchiha Sasuke-sama. Please step forward if you may."
"Sasuke-sama! You have grown up!"
"Sasuke-kun! You look just like Itachi-sama!"
"Congratulations for your achievement Sasuke-sama!"
"Can I be the mother of your children, Sasuke-sama?"
That one with the children…She had heard that before in school from those mentally deranged fan-girls. Sakura was left in a state of unbidden sock. And she used to think that the members of the Supernatural world had more sense and dignity. How can someone even considering voicing such things especially in a moment like this? This is unforgivable, so measly, so humiliating for Sakura's taste. She felt disgusted.
The reaction Sasuke's presence instigated to the crowd was now to be expected. It seems like no Uchiha can pass unnoticed wherever they might go.
Sasuke was not as kind as Itachi. Instead, he bowed slightly and kept his cold and stern look, not sparing a look towards the Supernatural fandom.
Sakura would never admit that but she was quite thankful Sasuke did not seem to care about the cat calls and clamors. At the same time, she was quite jealous. All those hopes for staying away from the Uchiha temptation and the obnoxiousness of the obsessed Uchiha fandom were long gone now too.
While the pinkette was contemplating, she unexpectedly felt paralyzed again, like a mental attack was aiming at her once more this evening. Focusing back on reality and her surroundings, she was able to locate the latest cause of her sudden paralysis. It was not hard to guess anymore…
She knew...
Yes…Sasuke did not look at his fandom, but why on earth was he staring at Sakura of all people now? In the midst of all these acclamations and screams why did he chose to set his cold, intimidating, unfaltering but highly mesmerizing shining and yet dark gaze on a certain pink-haired and emerald-eyed guardian?
Sakura swallowed slowly and countered with a stare as well, but in the end she was not able to hold it for long and averted her gaze.
"Sasuke-kun you are so beautiful." Sakura heard a sigh and a whisper full of longing. That one voice though was a lot closer that it was supposed to be…
All of the Philakes turned and darted accusing glares to Karin who seemed completely infatuated with Sasuke once again.
"Get a hold of yourself!" Tenten scolded the red-haired and hit her on the sides, earning a growl and a frosty glower in return from the red-haired Philax.
"As you have probably realized Itachi-sama and Sasuke-sama stand here together, under the statements of the Fourth guideline of the Pact, therefore they will be sharing the same Philax girl." Aoba added, making all the girls shiver and gulp (ok except from Konan who was still apathetic and indifferent)
Sakura was not that surprised or astonished anymore. There was no other interpretation, since Itachi was the firstborn and Heir to their Clan. Except if they weren't really brothers, which was nearly impossible with their looks.
As a matter of fact though, pondering about it, the Pact never really excluded any of the first-born males from the right to acquire a Philax, even if the said males were not the Heirs of a Clan. And yet, hardly any male ever received a Philax anymore if he is not destined to lead a Clan someday. The girls meant for Philakes are very few anymore, so the heirs had to take priority inevitably.
The perpetual problem of decreasing numbers…most of the females brought to the Academy, cannot achieve the level of prowess needed to be name Guardians. Some of them even die training, trying to gain back the right to be members of the Supernatural World, under the crime of…..
What was their crime? What did they do to deserve to be tossed away from their families and clans, without powers? What did the females do to deserve this?
At any rate, it's no wonder that the second and third born daughters are only married to Nobility. There are not enough first-born females available. Actually there is none! They are either bound to serve as Guardians or condemned to a meaningless death, before even reaching adulthood. In both cases the risk of death never wanes, it's always there to hunt them down and swallow them alive in a mayhem of obscurity.
Coming back to reality, Sakura couldn't help but feel her heartbeat quicken again almost racing.
There was actually a possibility, no scratch that, it's a fact that one of the girls is actually going to serve Itachi and Sasuke as a Philax. Both of them…Itachi and Sasuke, Sasuke and Itachi…as Philax…. That was a lot for Sakura to swallow so suddenly.
The younger ones of the Philakes veered their heads for an infinitesimal moment just to face the pink-haired guardian and then turned forward again as quickly as they whirled.
"Well, it's time to test Ino's instincts."
"What is that supposed to mean, Bun-Bun?" Ino asked lowly, but still it was more like a snarl.
"Didn't you say you had a feeling you are going to get two Masters? Right back at you now! Let's see how you will manage."
"Ha, you wish! I will be the one to get Sasuke-kun!"
"Is it really the time to argue for Sasuke, Karin?" Sakura strafed the other girl as retaliation for before. If Sakura could now give a crooked an impish smile for being able to scold Karin, she definitely would. Alas, they were in the middle of the Ceremony and people were still looking at them intensely.
"Why not? Do you want them stupid Pinky?"
"Will you all shut it?" Temari's voice pierced their ears, even though she was silent enough to still be discreet.
"Do you think I will be able to get Neji-san and go back to my Clan?" Hinata wondered out loud, but she was being too silent, so only Sakura and Konan, who were just next to her, could listen to her words accurately.
"They don't usually do that for balance reasons. Probably you will end up in another Clan, Hinata." Konan told the timid girl and Hinata nodded mutely.
"Next in line: Heir to Uzumaki Clan of Werewolves, Alpha List of Honor: Uzumaki-Namikaze Naruto-sama!"
"Werewolves rule, dattebayo!" Naruto excitedly exclaimed earning a light –almost invisible for the audience- punch from Sasuke (who was right next to the blonde) and stepped forward to bow and greet the crowd.
Surprisingly, Naruto had a fandom almost as large as the Uchiha brothers had. Well… It is the hyperactive and perpetually loud and excited Naruto after all.
"Good luck Hina-chan!" a low voice was heard making one girl turn worriedly to face the source.
"Wh-what…what do you mean, Sakura-san?" Hinata meekly asked the pinkette.
Sakura simply chuckled and winked at Hinata. The shy Hyuuga changed all tinges of red upon following Sakura's eyes, only to spot none other than Naruto who just then winked over to Hinata playfully. The kind Hyuuga girl gasped and almost fainted once again.
"Now, another exception coming from the Uzumaki Clan of Werewolves again. The Rinnegan User of the Uzumaki Clan of Werewolves, Alpha List of Honor, due to the individuality of the dojutsu Rinnegan abilities he possesses, will be guarded by a proper Philax. Uzumaki Nagato-sama if you may..."
Sakura's eyes followed Nagato's proud and silent steps and his soft bow of the head and then turned to Konan, who was staring at her friend with utter indifference still plastered on her face. How can she be so calm about it? She might have seen that coming, but this was something to leave a person at least astonished.
"Those were our Nobles from the Alpha List. Now let me announce the heirs from the Beta List in alphabetical order." The man named Aoba continued when the applauding finally came to an end.
"The Heir of the Hozuki Clan of Elementals, Beta List of Honor, the Water Elemental Hozuki Suigetsu-sama."
Sakura's eyes followed Suigetsu's brisk movements carefully.
"Not him!" Karin squealed in shock and desperation. That ought to be enough to make Karin stop swooning over Sasuke for some moments.
"Whoa…what is that Karin? Is something wrong with Suigetsu-kun? The Water Elemental Suigetsu-sama to be exact?" Ino teased making Tenten and Sakura chuckle. Karin tapped her leg once and stubbornly forced a look of total impassiveness to appear on her face.
Sakura shook her head and huffed. Have they actually realized that they were in the middle of the Court's Great Hall and everyone could easily look at them and realize what they were saying and doing?
Probably not.
Suigetsu bowed and took his place swiftly with Sakura's unwavering gaze examining the Water Elemental pondering on many many options and possibilities.
The pinkette couldn't help but gulp again. Was she going to end up with Suigetsu as a Master? Suigetsu indeed is nice and funny, but still…why Sakura's heart ached so profusely now? What was the problem? It's not exactly that she cares who her Master will be. The only thing she should be concerned about it to serve with brilliance and excellence. The identity of the Master doesn't matter, right?
Not to mention that Temari, Hinata and Karin belong to Clans of the Alpha List. What chance, what hope could Sakura have? But…hope for what? What does Sakura wish for in the end?
"The Heir of the Inuzuka Clan of Werewolves, Beta List of Honor, Inuzuka Kiba-sama."
Emerald eyes widened once again. Kiba as well? The pinkette bit her bottom lip fiercely. Why didn't she notice Kiba sooner? Were the Uchihas that much dazzling? Was Naruto that much distracting? Was it so difficult to move her gaze a little to the right and solve the mystery? Was it too much? Sakura now felt stupid.
'What's wrong with me, dammit?'. In this inward question a small timid voice, almost silent whispered one nearly incomprehensible word: 'Love'. Or was it 'in love' what the voice said?
At this point Sakura was ready to encounter everything and anything anymore. Who might be next? Yes…Sakura will take it, she will take the damn hit! What's the worse than can happen now? At this point everything can be expected.
Kiba now bowed as the others did and had a grin of utter glee plastered on his face. He was rather amused it seems….
"Oh Kami-sama!" Ino abruptly cupped her mouth with her palms.
"What, Ino?" Sakura glared at the blonde for making a ruckus all of a sudden.
"Kiba...Kiba is getting an- I mean…Sakura what if-"
"Will you shut up after all or will I have to clobber you?" Temari chided again and the girls turned back to their original positions silently, like scolded students. Ino's eyes were closed in concentration and deep contemplation.
"And lastly the Heir to the Nara Clan of Shadow Elementals, Beta List of Honor, the Elemental controlling Shadows Nara Shikamaru-sama!"
Shikamaru naturally looked as lazy as ever, but his clothes were surprisingly flattering. Sakura could almost hear him mumble 'So troublesome' while bowing. Poor Shikamaru…
A large grin crawled on Sakura's face now and all Philakes whirled their heads slowly to face a blushing Temari. The older blonde of the group blushed even more upon detecting her teasing friends, that looked at her intensely and meaningfully, with raised eyebrows full of unspoken accusations.
"Don't look at me like that!" The girls simply snickered.
Now that all the Heirs were presented Sakura felt like she had the chance to gaze around the room. Since most of the notorious gang were here it was only rational for the rest to be around as well. Soon enough Sakura managed to spot people that she had probably guessed that they were there, watching and most likely laughing at the girls' naive ignorance.
Did all of them know before-hand? Did they all make fun of the girls' nescience ? It did not seem like it actually. In any case they must have found out recently too though.
At the Beta Nobles section -or what seemed like it was the Beta Section- proudly stood Akimichi Choji, Aburame Shino and surprisingly (for some) Sasori-senpai. The red-haired stared back at Sakura when she looked at him, thus the girl soon averted her eyes away, not wanting to be submitted under his mysterious questioning eyes.
Some seats further to the front Sakura happily spotted Kurenai-sensei along with a tanned dark haired man who probably was Sarutobi Asuma, Kurenai's Master. A little to the right was none other than Hana-senpai seating next to a weird looking boy with paint all over his face. Sakura's guess is that he was probably her own Master.
What surprised Sakura though was the red-haired boy sitting next to Hana-senpai's Noble. He was silent and had a stern look on his eyes. He even had a kanji tattoo on his forehead. Whatever plagued the young Nobleman must have been terrible, because the boy was now displaying infallible sighs of insomnia and nearly unmanageable frustration as well. The young man locked his eyes on Sakura's for an infinitesimal moment and then averted his gaze impassively.
This night was like a staring and 'flickering-eyes' game it seems. Sakura's jade orbs were almost tired of capturing so many 'visual information' while also striving to hide from unbidden terrible foes the entire time.
Foes...were those people around really enemies? Perhaps it was just a misunderstanding, perhaps it was Sakura's trepidation kicking. But...Why did it feel so dangerous and stressing to be in the Great Hall now?
"Those are my brothers." Temari whispered nodding over to the men Sakura was just looking at.
"The one next to Hana-senpai?" Tenten asked enthusiastically.
"Hai. That's Kankuro. The one next to him is Gaara."
"They are not bad…" Ino murmured rubbing her jaw, but soon Sakura slapped her hand away.
"Behave! People are looking at us. What are the Nobles going to say when they see you ogling Temari-senpai's brothers, that mind you happen to be Alpha Noblemen?" Sakura strictly reminded Ino who pouted but followed Sakura's advice nonetheless.
On the right grandstand for the Regular Population Sakura could now recognize some of Konan's friends who desperately tried to gain her attention all this time, to no avail though. Kisame-senpai, Deidara-senpai and Hidan-senpai were all there and applauding and whistling. Just next to them was a young man that immediately made Sakura want to hit something. Was that jerk, that simpleton, that swine named Sai a regular too?
Maybe hitting him later is the best way for Sakura to release her anxiety.
On the left grandstand for the various Representatives, Sakura was able -and of course excited and blissful- to see the beloved Kakashi-sensei, Anko-sensei, the Committee Representative of the College Yamato-san and other acquaintances from the Academy days. In the front row and closer to the Nobles stood the perpetually beautiful and elegant Senju Tsunade along with Jiraiya-sama conversing with another serpent-like man with extremely pale complexion and long dark hair. That last man was quite spooky for Sakura's taste. He evoked a storm of jitters on Sakura's body but the kind girl was not yet able to pinpoint the reason.
"Ladies and gentlemen, now we are about to commence the Selection procedure and then the traditional Ritual. For those of you who are not aware, the Ritual process is derived from the Ancient Vampires' and Werewolves' mating rituals. This litigation binds the Philax with her Master of every species in an absolute way, but still leaves the Heirs with the liberty to meet and seal their bonding with their destined Mate at the appropriate time." Aoba explained.
Sakura blinked some times. So, they were going to submit the Philakes to a procedure very much like Vampires' and Werewolves' mating? But…mating with Vampires and Werewolves included…something….
"Don't worry. You are not going to submit you to that part. This Ritual is derived from the Mating Procedures, but it's not the same. They will leave that last part for the mates obviously." Konan answered as if reading Sakura's thoughts.
Sakura nodded in understanding and sighed deeply.
'Yokatta…(=Thank God)" Sakura thought mentally. But was it really the time to thank Kami? The selection is not yet over. Nothing is certain yet. Many questions rise again and again in Sakura's mind nearly causing the girl a headache.
But what was the problem? As far Sakura is concerned they are all nice -more or less. She shouldn't mind. At least the girls know who they are dealing with.
It's going to be fine. Perfectly fine, right?
Sakura huffed and remained silent, ready to hear the verdict.
"Now. I am requesting for the Glorious President of the Imperial Court and current Head of the Uzumaki-Namikaze Clan, Namikaze Minato-sama to share a word with us before the Selection, as tradition commands." Aoba said and suddenly a blonde man with stunning cerulean eyes got up from his chair and moved forward, where the Heirs stood. Almost immediately a large wave of applauding flooded the Great Hall.
"So this is the President of the Court? He looks so nice and young…" Ino murmured in Sakura's ear and the pinkette nodded affirmatively. Uzumaki Clan Head he says? So that means he is-
"He looks so much like-" but Tenten was cut off before she finished her sentence, because this man named Minato stood in a nearby podium placed on the grandstand and started talking with a sweet and kind masculine voice.
"So, it is my turn to welcome you tonight in this Revelation day." He started and the applauding finally stopped. "I am glad and of course honored for being able to witness this year's Ceremony, especially as the Court President, but as a parent as well." The blonde man emitted vibes of trust, happiness, reliance…he made Sakura feel safe, blissful. So that's where Naruto got this side of his personality.
Yes, Sakura was now certain. This man must be Naruto's Father for sure.
"But first I would like to address to the new Philakes." Minato said setting his beautiful eyes at the girls.
"Welcome back to the Supernatural World after so many years of absence. Your families and Clans and of course the Court, the Council we are all delighted to see your amazing progress and if I may say, we do expect many things from your generation. Not only we have exceptional Philakes but we do have exceptional Heirs to take care of now too." Minato said smiling and glancing at the boys who applauded and cheered for the kind man.
"From my place, not only as the Court President, but as the father of one of them, I would like to ask you to take care of all of the boys, since I consider them all my children and they are indeed the bright future of our world. Even though some of them definitely going to be a little demanding to please." he said with a wide honest smile adorning his lips, while his eyes flickered meaningfully to some of the male Nobles waiting to be granted Guardians.
At that last sentence some people from the audience laughed, other giggled, while some others simply shook their heads.
Sakura couldn't help but laugh too. This man was so pleasant, so kind, so nice, he vented something so...invigorating. All this time Sakura thought that the Court and especially the President would be stern and sour, really flamboyant and not accepting any failure whatsoever. And yet this man was so…so…different…genuine…sweet.
However, it was more than obvious that Namikaze Minato was the exception and not the rule, since many of the other Alpha Nobles were indeed matching the 'stern' and 'sour' characterization. But the Court President was indeed something else.
This man made Sakura wish she would be lucky enough to have Naruto as a Master. That would most definitely be an adventure worth living.
"Lastly, I want you all to bear this in mind: We, the last generation, were met with something I do not wish anyone of you to ever experience." Minato started again and a deafening silence ruled the Great Hall, destroying the cheering atmosphere from before.
"I, Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuuga Hiashi and Nara Shikaku are only few examples of the tragedy that took place all those years ago. As most of you know, by experience, history books or even gossip we lamentably lost our Philakes in their line of Duty."
Minato's speech made Sakura and the rest of the girls shiver. He looked sad, pained, crestfallen, like he still mourns for a distant tragedy. The fact that Philakes died was more than enough to touch the girls' hearts. But having an Alpha Noble experience such distress over the incident only made the statement far heavier to bear.
So there are people that actually care for their Guardians.
At this exact moment, Sakura's green eyes instinctively flew to meet a pair of obsidian. Why was he looking at her again?
Why was Uchiha Sasuke, an Alpha Noble Vampire looking at her now?
Sakura swallowed slowly and held her gaze at him for a while, longer than before, until he finally averted his gaze again and craned his neck to whisper something to Itachi.
Then, the older male's face muscles winced a little and he now set his dark eyes to Sakura too.
Having both of them looking at her was overwhelming. Sakura felt so self-conscious, so bare…Thus, she moved her eyes and chose to stare at the other Heirs like the always cheerful and smiling Naruto.
The blonde Werewolf though was already focused on something else. Sakura followed the path his azure eyes forged only to meet a certain Hyuuga girl standing just next to Sakura.
The pinkette couldn't contain her smile.
"Thus, I promised myself not to allow such a disaster to happen again. I am now asking of you, Heirs of Nobility, and gallant Philakes. Take care of each other. It's the Guardian's duty to protect, but no Master has the 'luxury' or the right to let his Philax die. You are all aware of the dangers we are now facing. You can all feel it… Therefore, that's my only request. Cherish each other! I hope we have a wonderful Selection. Thank you for you undivided attention." Minato finished and the members of the Supernatural World all cheered for the Court President.
Even the bashful girls were now all applauding him for this wonderful and touching speech. The young Philakes never thought an Alpha Noble would ever allow them to feel important, essential, wanted, not mere expendable tools.
"Thank you Minato-sama. Before the official start of the crucial part of our Ceremony I would like to call forth his majesty Uchiha Madara-sama. It's an honor to have him with us this day, the only one of our Holy Ancestors left alive."
A somber glacial wave of ice and melancholy engulfed the room. Now no cheering could be heard.
The dark figure from the shadows slowly emerged to meet the eyes of all, Nobles, Regulars and Philakes.
His cold voice echoed in the silent Hall and made Sakura's nape hair stand and jitters travel around her entire body.
"What I have to say, is that I expect this one generation of Philakes to be proved worthy of their title. The people of my generation, we all wanted to reassure and secure the survival of our species. The danger never left us, so the least I expect is strong Guardians to protect the Heirs of Nobility, the perpetuators of our royalty, of our precious bloodlines. Let's have a fair Selection."
The acclamations this time were not genuine. They were born from fear, hesitation, horror, tremor.
"Thank you for the honor my Lord." Aoba bowed to the liege and some of the Alpha Nobles conversed with him for some seconds.
Sakura gulped again.
"That was…"Tenten whispered.
"...pleasant…"Ino continued with a grim face, that not suited her at all.
"Stay away from him!" a strict voice came from their right.
"Konan-senpai, what are-…"
"Stay away as much as you can." She repeated making the girls hush.
Then the heavy burned of realization hit her. This man was one of the Holy Ancestors; he was there when the Pact was sighed. He could even have made some of the Rules. He is one of the people responsible for the girls' current state.
Sakura couldn't decide. Was she supposed to be furious, irate, or glad and honored?
"The Clan Heads had already received the Philakes personal files and lists after the Revelation Meeting. May the heirs now converse with the Clan Leaders and Elders and reach a verdict for their selection. After the end of the procedure the Philakes will be finally officially appointed."
*Uzagi Clan: A made-up name for Tenten. I think usagi means bunny and I tried to 'play' with words, since Tenten is as sweet as a little bunny and her 'buns' also remind me of a bunny. I didn't want to use Usagi so I made it Uzagi. I don't know if that means something else though...
In case you need to refresh your memory or understand some things more clearly here is the Supernatural 'Government' System:
Council:The members are mostly some Beta Nobles but respected regulars can participate too. They are responsible for the Committee, the Academy and the regular population. Their decisions are very important and they are the ones more or less organizing the system of the supernatural world. It is revealed that they are working secretly with the 'mysterious' man behind the Court's back to complete some kind of plan. They resemble a less formal Court and they take care of more mundane things. The members we have seen are mostly 'made up Naruto characters', like the Yamashiro Councilman. Yamashiro is Aoba's last name but that's not him.
Court: They are from the absolute elite, like a Council exclusively from the Nobles and only the Nobles can participate, even though most of the Nobles(especially the snotty Alpha that refuse to accept any kind of agreement due to perpetual and arrogant stubbornness ) do not like to show up in the meetings. They stand higher in the hierarchy than the Council. Their job it to solve the problems between Nobles, arrange the rituals and other affairs strictly concerning Nobility. They are not usually interested on the Academy or the young Philakes. They only pay any heed to them when the ritual and the year of Revelation is close and the young Noblemen have to acquire a Guardian. The President of the Holy Imperial Court is now Namikaze Minato, Vice President and Military Commander is Uchiha Fugaku. Nara Shikaku is the Imperial Strategist and Minato's and Fugaku's right arm. Inoichi Yamanaka is also a member, along with other Clan Heads that aren't yet revealed. The Court members are supposed to be snotty and arrogant according to many but their place and abilities still remain a bit of a mystery.
The Council and the Court are 'supposed' to work together in harmony.
Committee: This 'organization' was made after the Pact was signed and it's like a sub-division helping the Higher-ups. Their job is mostly to help the Philakes, find the newborn girls and guide them to the Academy. Members we have seen until now: Hayate, Yamato, Morino Ibiki and some other 'nameless' members. They are like the 'errand-boys' so to speak and they follow the Council's orders mostly. The Court does not usually bother with them.
The Court, the Council and the Committee are 'The Great C's of the Supernatural World'. (I understand that this might be confusing but the fact that all important 'foundations' have the same initial letter was intended.)
Academy: The school for Philakes. This is where the girls used to 'live' in their younger years (later they move alone, outside of the Academy just like our girls did) and train constantly. Tsunade is in charge of it. Some of the teachers are: Mitarashi Anko, Yuhi Kurenai, Hatake Kakashi and occasionally Konan.
The Ancestor: Uchiha Madara. One of the Holy Ancestors that signed and designed the Pact of Trust and Commitment. His place supposedly holds no practical significance. He is standing as an Honored Member of the old times, since he is the only one of the Ancestors still alive.
Author's note: This is definitely shorter that the last chapters. I am sorry I could not give this whole chapter to you right away. I was planning it differently with all the Ceremony in it. I was forced to make some alternations. At least now I got to update faster than I was 'supposed' to... I know I said I did not want this to drag any longer than Ch. 12 but this just couldn't be done. I am honestly sorry for that 'inconvenience'. I am so so sorry for keeping you waiting, but after hours and hours of contemplating I finally decided that this is the best option. I was torturing myself endlessly and hitting my head on the keyboard for not being able to decide. Please tell me if the chapter was good enough. If you feel the need to flame me please use a PM and do it discreetly because lately I get easily discouraged. Well if you want me to get discouraged that's another thing... T.T
Did you find the note above about the system helpful? If yes I have another thing in mind to be more of help for you. Please tell me what you think.
Please do not hesitate to review! It will make me so so so happy and eager to write like crazy! I will try to update as fast as I can, but if I have your support it will be so much easier...
