My Mother's Doll

Chapter Two

Silks, Wine and Tits

Sasuke had a raised brow, the beginning of the story had always left Itachi with goosebumps. Disappointingly, Sasuke seemed less than enthused. Then again, Sasuke was a little emotionally stunted. They had eaten their snack, and Sasuke eyed him in a way to continue and get to the climax. Itachi smiled to himself, but that was much further along in the story.

"Obviously you're not too impressed."

"Witchcraft doesn't perturb me; we all know it's a farce."

"But, is it?" Itachi was pulled into his memories of fighting in Mist. What they had encountered there was… horrifying and unexplainable. Things Fugaku had most assuredly heard of, and hopefully was planning for. What happened in Mist wouldn't stay there, it would bleed to every corner of the continent. Sasuke's head twitched, and Itachi pondered continuing.

Well, why not?

Years had passed, the Uchiha had achieved unimaginable wealth and prosperity since the days of conquering had ended. Madara had even pushed them to peace with the neighboring clans, and construction was active in creating a unified city for allied clans. He had prided himself in ended the needless wars; some of his fellow clansmen weren't thrilled. His thirst for blood had waned since the encounter with that witch, and while he was entirely convinced, he was cursed, part of him had decidedly changed. Karma was real, and the thought of the needless death, and horror he and his fellow clansmen had inflicted did make him nervous for the end of his life.

But tonight, was not the night to worry about the distant future. He was in the midst of preparing for a travel to the Land of Cloud for their tournament of the Strange. Cloud was still a mess, and prone to exploiting the oddities of the human race. It had been five years since the last affair, and Madara – his first time there – was still baffled by the strange powers and faces he had seen. The fights were nothing like the ones he had experienced. There was a enchanting and blasphemous magic to it. The experience of seeing a slave driven society was a spark in the changes he had instituted to his fellow allies and clansmen. The things he had seen were a jarring parallel to his past. Not one he was fond of either.

"Brother, the Senju and Hyuga heir are here." Madara nearly smiled. Hashirama the new leader of the Senju was his best friend, his younger – and much less endearing – brother had obviously been dragged along. Tobirama rarely mingled with Uchiha and Hyuga, out of blatant bigotry that would always irk Madara. Izuna, however, took pride in further irritating Tobirama Senju. The Hyuga heir was a new addition to their group, and Arashi Hyuga... he was a character. Defying every stereotype of the Hyuga with easy smiles, and rather questionable jokes. His teasing was always childish but it was a breath of fresh air of being around pretentious overly prideful nobles. Izuna and he had developed a fun banter, and their friendship was a relief to Madara who feared the younger brother's attachment to him would stunt his ability to act independently.

Cloud, in spite of their less than admirable standards, was a beautiful city. Their architecture really did make it seem like a city inspired by clouds and the heavenly sky. The accommodations in the large hotel was unlike any inn or tavern the clansmen had ever mingled in. Servants walked around bringing foods and drinks, Madara had comfortably settled around a small table where he and his companions would chatter. They had much to catch up on, especially since Hashirama had only recently been announced clan leader. "Good evening." Madara spoke as he settled his sweet, alcoholic beverage on to a cherry wood table.

"Ah, Madara and Izuna – I was surprised to see you already here." Hashirama bellowed, Madara twitched – he had forgotten how fucking loud Hashirama was. Tobirama also seemed annoyed, Madara wasn't sure if it was due to being around Uchiha or his brother's exuberance. Something suddenly caught Tobirama's eye, and Madara – interested – turned and looked. It was a slave girl.

But she emitted power, contained power. But power nonetheless. Her body was scarred and several shackles that had a dual purpose for containment of movement and as well as chakra suppressors. Now that is interesting… she must be of a clan; civilians don't have chakra at her level. Madara watched her lithe muscular body was led upstairs, her hair long, wavy and a petal pink stiff with blood. Her skin tanned yet still pale. Then she turned her face, catching his eyes.

His heart stammered.

She wasn't the kind of beauty men wrote poetry about, or sang about in inns. But she was radiant. Large, wolfish shape eyes the color of smooth green jade. They were guarded… yet vulnerable? Her lips full and pale, blending in with her face. High cheek bones framed by her petal colored hair.

She… she was an exotic beauty.

And it was clear he wasn't the only one to think so, Tobirama was glued to her and his face had a hint of a flush to it. Hashirama was chattering, and hadn't noticed their distraction. The Hyuga heir was laughing, and Izuna flushed face from his second drink. He had always had a low tolerance to alcohol. In a lot of ways Madara was envious of Hashirama. Hashirama had always wanted peace and to bring joy and comradeship to the worlds. Nothing broke his spirit, and his spirit lit up any room or battlefield he was present in. He'd even snagged a alliance with the notorious Uzumaki by becoming betrothed to the head of the clan's daughter, Mito.

He had met Mito, and for a long time harbored a crush on her. She was a beauty men wrote about. And her power was sheerly amazing. She also was host to the Ninetails Fox Spirit, Kurama. An alliance with her and her clan surely meant a unfair balance of power. Madara's father was quite angry of the news when it had reached him.

He turned towards the stairwell, she was gone. But it suddenly felt like spring in his heart.

He would have her as his.

Uchiha…