I am soooo sorry! There were some major problems with the text so I had to fix it and that. Took. For. Ever.

Anyways with out further adieu , Here. Is. ZEE. PROLOUGE.

The sound of a door closing drew me back to my senses. Shoot. I gotta catch up! "Father! Wait for me!" I called.

I chased my father to the end of the hall, letting my dark, chocolate-colored hair flutter at my sides, ducking under the attendants that were taking care of the daily chores; but I had no time for that! Today was the day my father would form a clan alliance with one of Konoha's most famous clans-the Uchihas.

"My clan was separated from the rest, outside of the shinobi village, but the elders were always more than willing to tell the tales of the great families. The two greatest adversaries were the Senju and the Uchiha, both dating back to the First Shinobi World War. Shinobi charged at each other, fighting for extensive years, all for revenge. The head's future heirs during this time? The infamous Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju. Thankfully they both agreed to make peace and founded Konoha, my planned destination.

Determined, I raced as fast as I could, my 10 year-old hyperactivity kicking in. Obstacles stood in my way, the servants holding up decorations and taking them from room to room. I narrowed my eyes, sliding beneath a scroll being moved. Hopping over a few more piles of pillows and the assortments, I was finally closing in on the entrance. Landing in my sandals-and sliding next to my departing father. That was the plan, but kimonos weren't the best thing to run in. Along the way I managed to keep my pace steady, but my luck ran out as I stepped on the cloth and stumbled. I missed my sandals and lost my footing. Oh no! I closed my eyes and braced for the tile impact. Fortune was playing with me today as my father quickly swiveled to catch me, saving me from the humiliating fall and settling me on my feet.

"Mizuki, you must be more careful. If you keep being this reckless, then we won't have an heir anymore." He scolded me, like usual -but always with that touch of good-naturedness he had.

I bowed in apology. "Terribly sorry, Otou-san, but I can't help myself! You know how excited I am about this!"

"But I told you that I am just going to their compound to talk over terms on the alliance, those matters must be discussed in person. Besides, you've already been there before many times, so why are you so excited?"

I pout. "Besides training, it can get very boring, just staying at home!"

He rolls his eyes. "Fine. Just stay out of trouble."

After a long hour, we finally arrived at the Uchiha's estate. It's was always amazing, to watch their detailed buildings soar up into the sky, to see the legendary users of the Sharingan.

Many familiar faces glanced at us, showing kind smiles and small waves as we passed through the compound. We were going straight to the leader of the Uchihas - Fugaku Uchiha.

We stopped at the main house, where Fugaku-sama was already waiting for us. Ugh, more boring formalities. This was the part I hated most about visiting others

I bowed respectfully, and recited the words my father taught me, "Good day, Uchiha-sama - thank you for generously allowing us to visit your magnificent home." Oh man, I sound WAY too formal. At my sudden realization, I felt my cheeks slowly getting warm.

He chuckled and said, "Dispense with the formalities today, Hiro-sama. Your cute daughter sounds much too old for her age, and we've been friends since we were young. And besides, I know she's just sooo impatient to see the rest of my family. Right, Mizuki-chan?"

My blush deepened. They knew me too well. "Yes, Uchiha-sama."

"Well, you can go in while your father and I discuss some things"

I just barely remembered to do a quick bow. "Thank you, Uchiha-sama!" I ran in, much to the amusement of the adults, and quickly turned corners to look for my friends - I spotted them in the living room, playing a board game.

Hehehe - revenge for last time! I crept up behind them, hidden behind the shoji screen. With a giggle, I jumped on top of them, toppling over the elder onto the floor. The younger one stared at me in shock, then recognized me. In greeting he leaped on me, giving me a hug. "Mizuki-senpai!"

"Hiiiii, Itachi-senpai and Sasuke-kun!" I hugged both of them. "Wow, Sasuke-kun, your hair grew longer since last time I visited!" His hair now barely brushed his shoulders and the back began to spike out. "And Itachi-senpai, you haven't changed at all!"

He laughed. "You haven't changed either, Mizuki-chan" He playfully ruffled my hair, evoking a blush. Gosh, why do I always blush every time I see him? I should seriously learn to control myself more. "So, what do you want to do?" Sasuke was now sitting apart, slightly pouting. Is he jealous of the attention?

"Let's have Sasuke-kun choose!" Sasuke glanced at me, but smiled.

"HIDE AND SEEK!" He shouted.

"That's perfect - your house is huge!"

"Onii-san, you're it!" Sasuke immediately ran off to somewhere.

I muttered, "We don't stand a chance against you." We'd be found in less than a minute.

He grinned. "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you. Now hide - you have 30 seconds, starting now!" I ran away - where do I go? Oh! The gardens! I can go hide behind the statue on the roof! Okay, so that trajectory point- I ran towards a pole, then jumped, launching myself off the side, landing right on the statue's head. I suppressed a grin as I slipped behind it, making sure that no one could see me. Perfect! No one can see me from here!

Wait- shoot. I can be spotted from 6:00. Oh. The roof on top of the kitchens! It's got a perfect statue with a hollow inside. Now how do I access it? Uhh….. I can travel on top of the roofs - but I only have about 10 seconds left! Best to stay here, rather than be spotted while going somewhere else And it's out in broad daylight as well. And I haven't learned any major jutsus yet, a slow start for a ten year old. Wait! My Hanketsu! I can move really fast! But it also runs out really fast - I haven't mastered my chakra enough to control it yet. And my father told me not to reveal it to anyone, in case people find the weakness. Shoot. I have no choice, but to wait it out.

Time ticked by and I started to grow impatient. Has Itachi found Sasuke yet? Wait - or is his strategy to wait and make us impatient, making us reveal ourselves? Ugh, the suspense is KILLING ME! But I can't come out! I'd lose! Hmmm, maybe just a peek! I need to make sure no one's sneaking up on me!
I shifted a millimeter to the right, taking care to make sure my hair didn't droop out. Movement to my left. Shoot- A tap on my shoulder - I whirled around to face him, habitually settling into the defensive stance my father taught

"Found you, Mi-zu-ki-chan!" The "it" teased, enunciating the syllables of my name. I noticed that Sasuke was already with him

I shrugged. "Ah, it was fun while it lasted. When did you find Sasuke-kun here?"

"Around 45 seconds ago."

"Wow, Sasuke-kun, you've gotten good at hiding!" He grinned a little - completely different from before when he was pouting again. A sibling rivalry, maybe?

"You're better! You lasted about 45 seconds more!"

I held up a finger. "You forgot one thing - you're much better than I was when I was your age."

"Hehe, Mizuki-nee sounds like an old lady" Sasuke teased.

"Hey, I am older than you, but not that old!" He grinned ear to ear, going on about how old I was. Itachi was staring at something in the distance

I tapped his shoulder. "What's wrong? You look worried about something.

He jolted out of his stupor. "Nothing, I was just thinking. Let's go back inside- it's getting hot." Itachi took both of us by the hand and jumped off the roof.

3 hours later, we laid down in the living room, exhausted from all the antics. "This was fun! I want to do this next time!" I exclaimed

"Yeah!" Sasuke agreed. "Besides… this is the only time Itachi and I have played so much." I glanced at him. Is he really that lonely?

"Sasuke, I have duties to attend to, I can't always do play time."

"Awww, so you'd play only when Mizuki is here….." Sasuke glared.

I intervened. "Come on, you're siblings! Family's supposed to stick together."

Sasuke said, "But how are we supposed to stick together when he-" pointing to Itachi "-never wants to?"

"Come now, Sasuke, you know I love my family, especially you. I would do anything for you."

I joined in. "You two are lucky you have each other. I don't have any siblings! You guys are the closest thing I have to brothers." I drew both of them together in a hug. "So why don't we all kiss and make up, and then get something to eat? I'm hungry."

"Yeah, sooo…" Itachi hugged Sasuke and kissed his cheek. Sasuke looked shocked.

Hehehe - they literally "kissed and ma- I was snapped out of my thoughts when I felt Sasuke kiss me on the cheek. Whoa. That felt- "Thank you, Mizuki-nee!"

I giggled. "You know, you're so adorable when you do that, Sasuke-kun!"

"But you have to kiss Onii-chan now!" WHAT? My jaw dropped, and my cheeks burned red.

"What the- why me?! You kiss him instead!" Oh my god my stupid blush must be so red -they're both laughing at me!

"Come on, you know you want to!" Sasuke teased; 7-year-old humor, huh?

I tentatively shifted towards Itachi. "No, I don't!" I stammered. "But…" Itachi leaned down, and I planted a kiss on his cheek. "Only to make it fair." Sasuke rolled onto the floor and released giggles that sounded like helium from a balloon."Sasuke-kun, don't get any ideas!"

"Alright now, come, time for lunch." Itachi took us by the hand and led us to the dining room. In the room, were expectant heads, Fugaku-sama and my father. The brothers and I all did a respectful bow, greeting the adults. I heard soft chuckles coming from in front of us. We raised our heads to see our fathers stifle their laughs.

"You three are so respectful, it's funny - bowing at the same time like that! Did you all go like 'One-two-three- BOW!'?" They both released their laughter.

"Anyways, perfect timing, we were just about to ask Mizuki and Itachi something."

Itachi-senpai and I exchanged glances. What could they want with us?

"How would you two feel if we constructed an official alliance through blood terms"

"Blood terms?" I questioned.

"Father, just what are you two thinking?" Itachi wondered.

"Both of our fathers exchanged glances. "We'd like to form a kinship between our clans - with a marriage."

At this age, a 10 year-old brain can only comprehend so much at a time. After a few moments of silence, the meaning of their words sank in. Itachi was first to advance. "I object, Father."

Fugaku-sama said calmly, "Why is that Itachi? Your trust in each other seems as strong as family is."

I spoke up, "I... feel that we are not ready for this."

Itachi nodded in agreement "Being prematurely pressured into something like this is a very… shocking situation."

My father waved away our objections. "We did not meant it to happen now. Our laws state that marriage may only occur between two individuals of 17 years or older."

"Besides, you two are still children! By marriage then that would mean Itachi becomes the head at 13! "Fugaku-sama added.

I considered it. I've always liked him….. but what if he doesn't feel the same way? Forcing him to marry someone that he doesn't even hold feelings for...I said cautiously, "I'll consider it, Father, Uchiha-sama….. But please, don't make any plans without our consent - we're still the ones being the most impacted by this."

"I hold the same opinion as Mizuki-chan," Itachi said cooly.

Unlike Itachi and I, Sasuke had no idea of what we were talking about. He kept blinking blankly, trying to wrap his 7 year-old mind around the topic. Sasuke finally made the connections. Ding! "Wait-wait….. You want Nee-san to marry Onii-san?!"Oh man, we are going to have to explain this to Sasuke...I'm having a talk with Itachi-senpai about this. Whether he wants to or not.

"We are just suggesting it." My father clearly stated.

"I am very sorry for pressuring to like this, but we need your answer by sunset."What?! So soon! I was expecting at least a year or more! They really are serious, aren't they…?

"Think over it on a full stomach, lunch is served." I ate up, not really tasting the food as I placed it in my mouth. I really can't see how to convince them out of it. And it is for our clans…. I suppose - I'll have to say yes. I sighed. So much for childhood.

"Ah, yes, just what did you two do while we were discussing the alliance?"

Sasuke immediately perked up, "We played hide-and-seek, and climbed on the roof!" Uh-oh - we'll get in trouble for sure...But I was amazed to hear my father chuckling.

"Well, that'll certainly improve your shinobi skills."

"Indeed, a very spontaneous way, at that."

I finished my meal, and bowed to Fugaku-sama. "Thank you for the meal - it was very delicious."

He smiled and said, "You're certainly welcome anytime."

My next request was unanticipated. "As soon as Itachi-senpai finishes his meal, may I talk to him about….. the current situation?" I slightly blushed - this was embarrassing. "I will be in the garden…" Then I rushed off, barely making it out before I started having a fit. I furiously shook my head. Oh my god are you crazy? And you just embarrassed yourself in front of the leader of the Uchihas! Aaaagggghhhh…

A tap on my shoulder - "You asked for me?" I flinched. I should have heard his footsteps - I mentally reprimanded myself, you idiot!

"Ah, um, yes…" I stammered. Where to begin? I decided to be straightforward - "What do you think about all this?" He sits beside me - in the shade of the column.

"Hmm... Its very… stressing…" Itachi commented, choosing his words carefully.

I nodded in response. "I suppose that's the one perfect way to describe it." I examined my nails. They were slightly bitten - another old habit of mine coming back. This was way too awkward. But then again, how would a situation like this be anything. but awkward?

"Though, I would not be bugged by it, honestly… It's just complicated at the current moment." After a short pause, he asked. "Are you troubled by it?"

I stifled an embarrassed laugh. "Well… I can't say that I'm not"

"So we are both in the same boat then." He slightly shifted his position.

"Mmm….." You have no idea...

"Well then - if that's all, I have to be going now." I hastily stood up and made a quick bow.

"Thank you for obliging - I'm sorry for wasting your time." What would he be thinking right now….?

He turned his head back, showing a small grin. "Don't worry Mizuki-chan, time spent with you is never a waste." I blush furiously. Did he just like - no no no I must be imagining things.

I pressed my lips together to prevent my insanely huge smile from showing. "You're very kind, Itachi-senpai."

The rest of the day passed by with me training in the garden. I even tried to do Hanketsu, but that always backfired. I let out a small sigh. If only I could perform more -I had a very long way to go before I could even achieve half of what my parents could do.

I finished the extravagant dinner as quickly as I could - dreading the question that was to be said during sunset. Finally, it came - right when everyone finished - but phrased carefully enough so that the others wouldn't know. "What do you two think?"

I glanced over at my "fiancee" - he met my gaze, and nodded. "Uchiha-sama, Father….. I've been thinking carefully about what you said. My decision is yes - under the condition that we will not be pressured into this before my 17th birthday." Itachi-senpai and I had agreed on this while he encountered me training.

Father nodded. "Very well. Itachi-kun?"

"I opt for cooperation, but under the same condition as Mizuki-chan's." Both of the fathers smiled. I could see they were happy at our decisions. I bowed to all the Uchihas present, thanked them for the meal, then headed off to the guest quarters set aside for me, my father, and the rest of my clan that came. I needed time to think.

As soon as I came in the room, I collapsed onto the futon. Why do I have to think about my future at the age of ten? I should just be focusing on being a ninja, not thinking about who I am going to marry… ARGGGHHH

Frustrated, I held my head, tossing around in the soft, cotton covers. What am I going to tell my mother? Closing my eyes, trying to relax. In silence I feel pressure decreasing, my shocked mind simplifying the whole scenario that just played. Sleepiness seeping into my consciousness. Maybe, just maybe, this might work...

I jolted awake at the sound of a faint scream - echoing in my moonlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating the patterns in the wooden floor. My father slept beside me, slightly snoring. "Agh - what was that? Just a nightmare-? A nightmare..."I quietly slid open the door, taking care not to wake my father, and stepped outside. I needed some fresh air - but that scream…

I accidentally found myself at the entrance of the leaders' bedroom. There was a faint light inside - and then the unmistakable sound of a blade sliding through flesh. What?! I drew out my knife- and slowly slid open the door - and dropped my weapon in shock at the sight before me.

Two bodies - one on top of the other - bearing the clothes that only the leaders of the Uchiha clan wore - Fugaku Uchiha and his wife?! And standing over them - holding a bloodied sword… - I stumbled back - gasping in shock. But - the murderer had seen me. It couldn't be-! How- how is this possible?! And to think that just this morning -

Itachi stepped into the light - his eyes as cold as I'd seen them. Is he going to kill me? - I cletched my fist in fear, so hard my knuckles turned a pale white. "If you are going to kill me then do it now." My voice was surprisingly calm. My father's mental training must have paid off.

He slowly walked toward me, and I backed away, every step matching his. He still hadn't answered my question. "Mizuki Murakami." I flinched at the sound of my name. "What…. will I do with you?" Drawing the words out slowly - This wasn't the Itachi I knew. This wasn't the boy that I spent time with, laughing and teasing.

"You..."

"You wouldn't understand..."He held out his sword, the blade pointed towards me. Well, I guess this is it for me.

"Well then, get on with it."

But the final slice never came."...I'm not meant to kill you." He said as he lowered his blade. Itachi? "I can't do it...I just wanted to save the people that I love..."

"Why? Wh-" My throat went dry and my chest tightened, as I started to weep.

I heard the floorboards creak - was he coming to kill me? And then I felt his warm arms embrace me - and I cried even harder. "Mizuki. Do you hate me?" I looked deep into his eyes. They were cold and empty, wit only the faint silhouette of a young boy, crying all alone. He's breaking on the inside...He's still human...

I shook my head. "I-I won't ever hate you."

"Good, thank you... But I have to go now... Someone's waiting for me." He shook his head. "I'm sorry about this, Mizuki."

Before he could leave, I cried out one last time, "Wait!"

He stopped in his tracks and glanced back.

"What… What will Sasuke think?" I asked, shaking at the thought. "This will shatter him."

He sighed. "Don't tell him anything. Sasuke will find out soon enough - I'll be the one to tell him. And no matter what he decides to do in the future, don't interfere." I nodded.

"I'll do my best."

"I know you will."He smiled, and said, "Take care - and watch Sasuke, will you?"

"Mn..." I stood up and bured my face into his chest- he hesitated, then hugged be back. I mumbled into his shirt, "C-come back, safely..."

He pulled back. "I'm sorry what did you say? I couldn't hear."

I shook my head. "Nothing... Just do it." Referring to knocking me out.

"You really want me to do this? It's going to hurt."

I stood on my toes and kissed him on the cheek, and gave him a bittersweet smile. "I know, Itachi."

He smiled cynically and said, "You're as logical as ever, Mizuki" He jabbed my neck, and the world went black.

Boom! Prologue done! SO Happy that this thing is finally up!

Okay so if you have any questions or comments, please do leave a review or PM me, so it doesn't create a bigger issue.

Please and Thank you~!-Grai