*Nightingale*
In this story, be prepared to have your first impression twisted to the point where you have no idea what to expect from these characters. This story is based off of the song Nightingale by Demi Lovato (Check it out! I love this song!). Enjoy!
Normal POV
"What on earth possessed your mother to even allow such a horrid idea to even cross her mind?!" Mikoto half asked and half yelled in outrage. As a mother herself she can't even fathom why anyone would want to harm their own child. Just entertaining the idea is raw taboo in her eyes.
"This is purely theory since there has only been one other cursed child in the history of our people, but when a cursed child is born, the mother will either become obsessed over their safety or hell-bent on killing the child regardless of the repercussions." The eldest son explained looking the enraged mother right in the eye. He placed a gently hand on the top of the shamed princess's head as a small sad smile stretched across his face. "Unfortunately, our mother was the latter. However, the rest of us are the former hence why our mother was exiled." He patted his baby sister's head lovingly before pulling her to his chest in a protective embrace.
At the sight of the pure love being shown Mikoto's rage subsided a bit. Just seeing the display of love between the siblings reminded her of her sons when they were small bringing tears to her eyes.
"I still don't understand," Shisui started directing his question to the silent king. "Aren't you worried that she will come back to finish what she started?" Instead of answering his question, the king looked to Kotetsu with a sad smile on his face making him look much older. However, to everyone's shock, the young princess pushed off her brother's chest and sat up tall to face his question head on.
"In our country, when a person is exiled, they aren't just banished from the kingdom." She paused for a second as if losing her vigor to face the harsh truth of what had been done to her mother. Her eyes closed for the briefest of moments before her eyes down casted to look at the plush scarlet carpet. "The guilty are first placed in the middle of the kingdom and stripped bare in front of the people while they, in turn, through whatever they wish at the accused. This is done to show the people how the accused disgraced themselves and their family by doing the horrible dead to bring this upon them. They are clothed in beggar's rags before being bound and dragged through the city back to the castle to show them that their life is as meaningful as the dirt we tread upon. The final punishment placed upon the accused before being banished is to have their memory- from the day they are born to the present day- whipped clean. The only memory they are left with is the crime they committed, but with no memory of why they did it, they go insane. Every person who has been exiled has committed suicide to escape their torment within 2 days of their banishment. That is why exile is only reserved for the worst crimes." and with that, she sunk back into the couch not daring to look up.
To their credit, the four Uchiha seemed to be able to control their shock to only minor physical actions. Both Fugaku and Itachi's eyes widened the slightest while Shisui's mouth gaped open slightly. Mikoto, on the other hand, was slammed with motherly instincts to run over to the girl and cradle her in her arms, and being the caring mother she is, that's just what she's going to do. So, as she stood and walked over to the young princess who visibly flinched at her approaching form, she kneeled down in front of the girl with the kindest smile the girl has ever seen.
"Sweetheart," Mikoto started placing two gentle fingers under Sakura's chin and forcing the ashamed girl to meet her gaze, "what happened to your mother is not your fault. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. You are surrounded by people who love you and that's all that should matter to you now." The mother's heart nearly broke at the disbelieving displayed vulnerably on the lost girl's face as they locked eyes. Within a few seconds, however, her full pink lips twisted upwards into a small happy smile as she touched her forehead with the Uchiha matriarch.
"You must have been an angel in your past because you are the only person that has ever said that to me." She whispered softly so only the two of them could hear. Mikoto's eyes softened as she embraced the girl smothering her in all the love she could muster.
"Your children can stay in the two guest rooms along with their guards." Fugaku finally spoke directing his attention to King Hishimo. Hishimo nodded in response preparing to stand.
"Thank you for everything." He glanced from the Uchiha head to his daughter slowly returning the hug the lovely Uchiha matriarch embraced her in. Seeing the smile on his baby girl's face warmed his heart to a degree he's only felt the days his children arrived in this world. "I can see she will be very well taken care of here." He bowed deeply to the Uchiha head and motioned to his eldest son. "Come Cyan, we have a long journey back to the kingdom. Your siblings will have deeply missed our presence at dinner by now." The eldest son cringed slightly at the thought before he sighed deeply.
"Kana is going to kill me if I'm not back for Hishiro's 8th birthday." He grumbled allowing his shoulders to sag slightly. Sakura gently pushed away from Mikoto's embrace looking up at her eldest brother.
"Hishiro's present is in my room on my bed. Make sure my little nephew gets it." In response, Cyan ruffled her long pink hair and flicked her forehead.
"You worry about being on your best behavior, little sister. I don't want to have to come here sooner than planned because you-" he sent a sharp glare to his youngest brother slouched lazily on the couch, "or Kotetsu were causing trouble." Sakura giggled slightly.
"I promise you won't, big brother." She reassured softly. Cyan grunted heading for the front door to place his shoes back on along with his father. Hishimo hugged both of his youngest children firmly before exiting the house. Once the door closed softly behind them Kotetsu sighed deeply.
"Sakura," He started turning to his confused sister, "before we left the Lady Hokage's office father instructed me to tell you that you will be entering in some kind of exam for ninja. Apparently he wants you to because the exam is for all of this village's allies. Since we are very recent allies, we must show our allegiance and what better way than to have the future queen involved in this event?" Sakura nodded slowly before turning to the Uchiha family.
"Lady Mikoto-"
"Please call me Mikoto or Mikoto-chan." The matriarch interrupted sweetly. Sakura raised a brow in confusion. Mikoto's smile widened. "It's a suffix we use to show our respect and love for others." She explained patiently. Sakura nodded slowly before continuing were she left off.
"Mikoto-chan, what are these 'exams'?" She asked taking her place back on the couch. Mikoto smiled turning to her son expectantly. He took a deep breath before turning his onyx eyes to the confused airhead across from him.
"In our nations all ninja are placed in ranks based on their skills. In order to test their skills and decide their rank they put through exams of various difficulties to see if they are at certain rank. The exams you are to participate in are called the Jonin exams which are taking place 3 months from now. My brother and his team are also taking the exams." He explained slowly as not to confuse the clueless princess even more. She nodded slowly before returning her gaze to Mikoto.
"I am going to assume I will need a team in order to take this exam, correct?" Mikoto nodded. "Will it be alright if I have two of my guards take it with me?" Mikoto nodded again. Sakura grinned shooting up from her place on the couch. "Well then, I do believe I need to train in order to prepare for this exam." She turned to her elder brother, her grin widening. "Kotetsu, do you mind if I spare against you?" A wicked grin spread across the young man's lips.
"Little sister, it would be my pleasure."
And that's the end of this chapter! Tell me if you like it! I hope you enjoyed!