Chapter 9: New Lives
"You're awake now," a woman's voice said.
The muscular, well-built man stirred a bit more, and sat up painfully. "Where am I?" he managed to croak.
"You're with friends," she replied, eyes twinkling in half-jest.
He looked around him, and besides the woman, saw a little girl sitting in the far corner of the room, hugging a younger boy. She had blonde hair just like her mother, and brown eyes like the boy.
"Like I said, you're with friends," the woman repeated.
"Where is this place?" he asked again.
"I'll tell you in a moment, when you're ready. But before I say anything, I have to ask you first: Who are you, where did you come from, and what happened?"
He almost grinned. "I asked you a question and you reply with three?"
She smiled. "You are at liberty to refuse my questions. However, since this is my house, I would prefer if you show a bit of courtesy by at least giving some hints about the man who I took in last night."
"Hey, hey, I didn't mean it to sound that way! I'm—" he stopped.
"What's the matter?" she asked, eyes full of concern.
He stood up and shook his head violently, as if throwing something away from it.
"Are you alright?"
He turned to face her. "I… think I need a few moments to gather myself…"
Her jesting smile disappeared. "Of course. By the way, this is your room, unless you want to go away, obviously. We'll leave you here alone so that you can regain your strength. Come along, Tsunade, Nawaki." She held out a hand to each child, and they took it, allowing the woman to drag them out of the room.
Five minutes later, he stepped out of the room, and silently remarked to his hostess, "I don't know why, but… I don't remember who I am… how can that be?"
And as she looked back at him, he saw that she did not know anything about him either.
o0o
Back in The Village's Ruins
The servant led Fugaku towards home, and he in turn held Mikoto's hand in his, silently telling her to go with him.
o0o
As soon as they entered the huge iron gate, Mikoto's eyes widened. If she just didn't feel horrible, she would have gazed in rapture and wonder at the small compound.
Lots of cherry-blossoms lined the path, some of them pristine white and some light pink. A row of wooden benches with intricately carved designs were placed decoratively near a huge oak tree, which had ivy vines wound around its massive trunk. The walls on all sides faithfully held the Uchiha clan's insignia, and there was a consistent wide gravel path branching out at various intervals, leading towards the very doorsteps of the houses surrounding the compound.
Mikoto was not surprised to learn that they were heading for the biggest house, it seemed, but frankly… she did not anymore care.
The door swung open, and out stepped a formidable-looking man. His strength was clear… it was defined from the lines of his face, the way he stood, carried himself, and gazed at a person. He spoke to them in a quiet but authoritative tone.
"Have you already been told about what has happened?"
Wordlessly, Fugaku nodded.
The man let out an almost inaudible sigh. "Very well then, as the eldest son, you already know your duties and responsibilities."
No response.
Ignoring the lack of answers, he continued, "The funeral will be held three days from now. That will give us enough time to prepare ourselves, and to deal with everything that has been damaged." He paused. "Is there anything you need to know?"
Fugaku shook his head.
Mikoto had remained silent all along, and now it seemed as if the strange gentleman had noticed her for the first time. "By the way, Fugaku, you fully well know this is not the time to start running wild with women everywhere—"
"She's not just any woman," Fugaku finally showed a flash of anger. "She's Hoshizora Mikoto, my friend, and her family died because of the attack last night. I'm certain I have a conscience to repair our clan's guilt, and she's gonna be staying here under the decision of the eldest son. Me." He stared straight into the man's eyes.
"So be it," he answered without hesitation. "Just make sure you can deal with anything, such as consequences, that may come up." He turned to go.
Fugaku unexpectedly said in a broken voice, "Don't you even care that my father died?"
"Child, I don't think I want to parade my feelings about someone dying… not just yet." And without another word, Uchiha Madara walked away, long cloak trailing behind him.
Mikoto and Fugaku stood silently alone, as a single cherry blossom slowly fell through the air and landed at their feet.