The Healer's Touch

Chapter Two: Summer Flower


The smell of the fresh spring rain had passed. Leaving behind a faint rainbow that seemed to stretch from mountain top to the green grass that rolled into a small hill. The cool breeze was a relief for the past couple of days, the temperature had been at a steady rise. Spring may have blessed the crops that grew in the fields and farmers were always thankful for the rain. The markets would soon be filled with crops from that year's harvest.

It had been a year of rebuilding for the village. There was still damage in certain areas where buildings were burned and slowly being taken down so another could be built in its place. Resilience would be the word she used. Seeing how, just a year ago, how badly damaged the village was. People had lost their homes, businesses, and the feeling of security. Koga's loss was felt heavily with the villagers.

Madara looked to his side to see Tsubaki walking at a much slower pace. They have returned to the village for some 'unfinished business'as Madara called it. The villagers would bow and say their greetings to the couple as they passed them. Tsubaki would give them smiles and words of assurance, while Madara would nod his head and walk with a graceful stride.

Tsubaki would lightly nudge her husband on his side to be a bit friendlier to the villagers. His constant brooding look was unapproachable to some, but it did not stop some of the women from staring at him. That strong alluring aura was desirable; his looks only sealed the deal for a few love-struck women.

Tsubaki ignored the women staring at her husband. She could not be jealous or spiteful towards the woman. As long as they stayed within their lane, they could look from afar. There was no denying his looks and aura. Only she knew of what hides beneath his skin. Tsubaki wasnt even sure how she was able to catch the eye of a clan leader from a very powerful family. Sure there was doubt of ever adjusting to the life of a noblewoman, but all wasnt impossible.

Tsubaki did not come from a rich family. The only assets were her healing capabilities and knowledge of herbs. Since their marriage, Tsubaki had been worried about what kind of people the Uchiha's were. Would they accept her as Madara's wife? Would she have to prove herself to his clan? Whichever the case, Tsubaki would have to keep her head held high. Rejection was possible for a clan as known as the Uchiha's.

When she looked to the women eyeing her husband, she wondered how fare they would have been to handle Madara's short temper and constant threatening manner? Best not think of things. It could leave to negative thoughts that a healer should not have.

"No matter where we go, you always attract admirers." Tsubaki said with a teasing smile. She had her hands behind her back when she looked to some of the women. They bowed low when they passed, but Tsubaki knew they were stealing glances. It was humorous.

Madara gave her a slide glance. "Jealously is not suited for one such as you."

Tsubaki chuckled, "Does one think I would be jealous of every woman who eyes me husband? I do not blame the women when they eye someone with such a title. As long as they keep distance, there is no need to be jealous of someone who cannot take my place."

"Would a woman dare try to take your place when I am the one who already claimed you as my wife." Madara looked forwards without seeing Tsubaki react to his words. It was not very often the man would confess something intimate out in the open.

Madara was a very reserved man. Emotion was something that he rarely showed, even to his own brother. To say that Tsubaki was moved by his words, it made her smile even more. Love was something powerful to the human soul. Tsubaki may have loved once before. The gods shined down upon her in finding a man who was enough to be safe around.

"But you also have to remember, husband, that I did not agree at first." She lightly nudged her elbow at his side. To have her guard down, showing Madara her true self was all that made her love for the stubborn shinobi worth it. The way she looked to him with her eyes. Love was certainly a strong human emotion. A love that could not be replaced, even if something were to pull them apart.

Not the clan. Not that hidden darkness. Madara would do all he can to make sure Tsubaki would be integrated into the Uchiha clan. As long as Shioi kept his dirty hands from trying to amend the marriage. Even the thought of that snake angered Madara to the bone. But for now, Tsubaki was far from the danger.

"Agree or not, I always get what I want." He said.

Tsubaki covered her mouth with her hand to keep from laughing out loud in a rather unladylike laughter. There was no need to embarrass her husband when the villagers were only looking to them with eyes that wanted comfort after the destruction and death. Everyone wanted to go back to their daily lives. They want structure and stability.

Tsubaki had a smile on her face when she looked to Madara. The thoughts of jealousy were never in her mind when she saw some of the women giving Madara side eyed glances from afar. Right now, this was the time for recovery. The villagers needed hope.

"They have done well recovering from one shinobi's destruction." She said, looking to each repaired building and stall. The villagers may have lost many things, but their spirit, it remains unchanged. She was happy that they have overcome such an obstacle.

"Would I scare you if I tell you, that one shinobi could burn a whole village?" Madara said as they walked past merchant stalls and stores that belonged to families. These places were a business that earned the employee's money, trade, and a lifeline.

Tsubaki glanced at her husband for a moment. She could see his cold stare; though it softens when she looked at him. She knew he was a dangerous and lethal weapon of war. There was no changing who Madara was.

"A shinobi must have reason to burn a village or he must not care for life. People work hard to provide for their families. Some want nothing to do with war, a battle, or a fight. They only want to survive long enough to see their children grow and learn from their mistakes." The way she looked to him; her eyes shined like the sky. Tsubaki would never look at him as if he were a monster.

It took every sense in him to not touch her cheek. To be out in the open, to show affection, he wanted to keep it behind closed doors. Where no one could see how much she affected him.

"Do I scare you?" He asked.

They may have been husband and wife and shared many intimate nights, but Tsubaki had made peace with who and what he was. She lightly smiled and walked further in front of Madara. Seeing her walk with a smile made his heart beat just fast enough to waver himself from losing his control. Tsubaki was truly a woman who control whatever darkness that was seeping through.

They reached the house of healing when Madara kissed Tsubaki on the cheek. He promised her that he would return when his meeting with Ikko was done. Gods only know how long that would take and it depends on what they were talking about. However, Tsubaki did not mind the distraction. She was happy to be back and seeing familiar faces. It wont be long before she has to leave permanently.

There was no time to feel sad. Only memories of her home would keep the sadness from creeping in. She opened the doors to the house of healing, taking off her sandals, Tsubaki could smell something delicious. She hasn't eaten since that morning on their travel back to the village. She cursed herself for not listening to her stomach, but it was best to return.

When she approached the door to the kitchen, she felt a heavy body almost tackle her to the ground.

"You are not with child yet. Why has he not given you a child? I should see signs of pregnancy." Tokiko said as she bombarded Tsubaki with a tight hug as she entered the kitchen area.

"Get off me, you old crow." She said, trying not to shout or disturb the peace.

Tsubaki looked to the two seated women for some help, but it seems that the two women whom Tsubaki considered friends would help. They only had small smiles on their faces and keeping themselves from laughing.

Asumi and Ami were both staring at the older woman as they sat at the table eating bowls of rice and meat. The smell made Tsubaki's stomach growl, but at the moment, she had a crazed old woman hugging her tightly around the waist.How could such an old woman have so much strength?

"Lady Tokiko, let Lady Tsubaki breathe for the love of the gods. She just came back and mist be ravished with hunger. I did hear her stomach growl like a dog after all." Asumi said, unamused to the scene. Even if the months have changed her, the woman still had a bit of a spoiled attitude in her voice.

"Nice to see that you have not changed much, Asumi. I hope you are not eating too much rice because I believe your face was less chubby." Tsubaki said as she tried get out of Tokiko's hug.

Ami giggled into her rice bowl as Asumi had her mouth open. A piece of meat hanging out and falling on the table. Tsubaki was able to get out of Tokiko's hold and walked over to the table to grab herself a bowl. Asumi was glaring daggers at the healer woman, who sat beside her without giving her a glance.

"I have not gained weight if that's what you are saying. I was only stating the obvious because who would want a wife that is skin and bones?" Asumi retorted as she recovered from being in shock.

Tsubaki sighed heavily. She mixed the bowl of rice and meat and began to eat. Tokiko took her place next to the woman with a sly grin. Asumi and Ami were both waiting for the obvious question that Tsubaki seemed to have ignored. It was only a matter of time before the big question was to be said.

Tsubaki could feel all eyes on her when she was eating. Their eyes often fell to her stomach.

"I am not with child you old crow. I come back after a few months away and all of a sudden, you ask if I am with child? Why can you not ask me how I am first of all." Tsubaki said. all the worry and doubt about her new life vanished the moment she was around those she had called friends.

Life was definitely returning to normal.


The mansion- like other buildings- taken damaged. Like the village itself, it was going to be rebuilt from the ashes. The villages records have been burned, along with valuables of the previous owners. Asumi had lost many pretty kimonos and dresses; it was felt heavily when she ransacked the mansion in search of her old life. The young woman was in tears; not for the loss of something of value, but for something that would be a reminder of her father.

Ikko- and possibly every villager- was at a loss for words when Asumi cared for her father's passing; rather than material possessions. There was no judgment, only comforting words to the young woman. She had changed drastically in everyone's eyes. Like a breath of fresh air, Asumi had been studying under the healers. She was just a novice so every villager was safe from her practices… so far.

Oh gods, I have heard of her healing practices.He internally cringed at the thought.

"Ikko?" There was a disturbed look upon the young man's face. Like he saw a ghost and paled at the sight. Madara's eye twitched at having been ignored for all of five minutes. No one dare have the leader of the Uchiha clan wait on a response. It was absurd!

Ikko could feel those dark eyes staring dead straight into his soul. Madara Uchiha was a very intimidating man without it being intentional. People see his temper showcasing on his face and they knew when to run away for fear of being killed. No matter his reputation, Madara was a reasonable man; well respected among the shinobi.

Ikko could see that anger, but there was also something there. Madara never let his mask slip, but within the mansion that was slowly being rebuilt, he showed something rare that Ikko had to hold back curiosity. It was no open secret about what has occurred. The Uchiha clan must be in turmoil about now. The elders must be fuming with anger about Madara's secret marriage.

A scandal. Ikko could hear Shioi's deep cracked voice trying to silence the other elders on the council. Oh, how he wished he were a fly on the wall listening to them. As much as it was humorous to imagine the scenario, the elders were known to be unreasonable. They would push for Madara to divorce Lady Tsubaki at once. She did not have their blessing. They would not care if she even births his child. A bastard, they will claim.

Madara would do everything within his power to protect his wife from them. The question is, will they do something to anger the clam leader? Knowing Shioi and his dark ways, it's only a matter of time. Lady Tsubaki had more then her life at risk.

"Forgive me, Lord Uchiha. Seems my mind has been foggy with village affairs as of late. The last couple of months of recovery takes a toll of a leader." Ikko said with a sigh to his breath. The next couple of months are going to be challenging. "I do not understand how anyone could be a leader in these circumstances. It is stressful. Sleep is practically impossible."

"You have only been a village leader for a few months. I am a leader of a clan. Do I need to discipline you once more or should I find another more suitable clan member who could do a much better job without complaining?" Madara stated.

"I was only making light conversation, Lord Uchiha. I know you are a man of so few words. I did not expect to be affairs that need to be attended too. Honestly, seeing you here is of no surprise." Ikko was trying to calm down the man. Usually it didn't work and he would pay for it later.

Servants were coming in and out of the room. Two cups were set on a brown table in front of the two men. A hot pot of tea was poured into the cups; a minty smell coming from the tea. These moments of solidarity were comforting, but Ikko knew Madara came to him for more than village business.

The room they were in was one of the few rooms still standing and practically untouched. The sliding doors to the outside were opened for a breeze to come through. It was nice outside, Ikko would admit. Unfortunately, the nice day would have to be wasted.

Ikko shooed them away to give them more privacy. Gods only know how things will be. There was no such thing as peace. With war still raging on and shinobi dying in battles, there was just this uncertainty that hung above their heads. Dangling peace like a carrot.

"I am aware of the village's affairs, Ikko. Do not make me regret my decision." Madara pinched the bridge of his nose. Ikko lightly chuckled to himself. Madara, well, he was never a man to even smile. Ikko could not remember a time even seeing him show something close to a smile.Did he even smile?

"The villagers feel more at ease knowing the Uchiha clan are allies. You did go behind the elder's backs and married Lady Tsubaki. Never knew the great Madara Uchiha could break many rules." Ikko took the cup that was growing cold on the table. A cool breeze had come through the small room, swaying Madara's long dark hair.

"I do not even understand why I came here in the first place." Madara mumbled. The clan leader was by no means stressed, but rather he was scheming something within that mind of his. The elders of the Uchiha clan were notorious for being stricken and unkind to any and all outsiders- unless they had something to gain.

"For a distraction before being faced with elder Shioi." At the mention of the elder's name, Madara placed his hand down. Those dark eyes glaring at Ikko, while the man drank his tea as though nothing had happened.

"What are you implying, Ikko? I do not need to look for distraction." Madara's tone had gotten low; dangerously low. Ikko took one last sip of the warm tea before Madara's temper got the best of him. No doubt there was already havoc back in the clan. The elders must be furious with events as of late and the scandal that could devastate the Uchiha devastation. It could slow future allies due to Tsubaki being only a commoner in a powerful clan.

"I am not implying anything, Lord Uchiha. Gods know what your brother is going through right now with the elders. I only want what is best for you and Lady Tsubaki. She does not know the conniving snakes that lurk from within and the marriage proposals that have been chosen for you, my Lord." He placed the cup on the table. Madara Uchiha was never one to run away from a fight. He would be the first to run into a hail fire of arrows to only show his strength to his enemies.

But there was a something behind those cold eyes of Madara Uchiha.

"I know you go to your brother for advice, but he is trying to calm the fire. What should I tell you, Lord Uchiha? That it will all get better and Lady Tsubaki will be loved by the clan? I cannot simply lie to you because we all know you will see pass it." Madara could make any person tremble in fear. The way his eyes were intense with anger. He was like a predator that was pacing back and forth. He was trapped between a wall that was indestructible.

Between duty andlove.

"She will have to stay here until I see it safe for her." Madara spoke.

"I know that snake, Shioi, will do something to hurt her. I have told them of her herbal knowledge and her healing capabilities. She will be of great use to the Uchiha clan, even if I have married her without the counsel's consent." He folded his arms over his chest. The great Madara Uchiha looked defeated beneath that mask of emotionless features. Ikko nodded his head in understanding as he had nothing more to say.

What could he say at a time like this? There were no comforting words. Lies would only make it worse.

"Do you love her?" Ikko suddenly said.

Madara raised a brow. Caught off guard by the sudden question, the man gave a slight nod. Only in the presence of Lady Tsubaki would he ever say the word love to her. No one else deserved to hear it, only the Healer woman whom he had given his heart too.


AN:I cannot believe how popular The Healer saga has gotten. I am truly grateful that I have readers wanting me to update this story. I apologize greatly everyone for having you wait so long as you see me updating other stories. I know you are waiting for the next chapter and no, I have not abandoned this story. I want to continue Tsubaki and Madara's love story further and possibly put out a third story for these two. I am sorry if many believe that in have abandoned this story. I assure you, it's not forgotten. I cannot leave stories unfinished.