Author Note:

I realize that such significant time has passed, for that I must apologize to the original readers of this story. Even so, I didn't want to leave a loose end to this story even if no one would be around to witness it. Since I've had such a long time to mull over the final chapters, I've thought over about the direction to take it for a while. At the end of this chapter (to avoid spoilers), I will discuss my reasoning behind where it goes. To my ole faithful readers, if you happen to stumble upon this update, thank you sooo much for revisiting it after such a long hiatus! You have been an amazing readership and I hope the ending will please you (as much as a tragic one can). To my new readership (if there are any), thank you for coming this far along with the story and I hope to see you visiting my other works. :) It is hard to believe that the Naruto series has come to an end, and so this shall, too, reach its end.

Also, for some reason, I wrote Chapter 13 but never got around to publishing it, so I simply combined the chapters rather than uploading them separately. So if the style and formatting are significantly differently, well, it is because they were written over a year apart ._. My bad.

Love,

E 3

—-

Star Crossed Chapter 14:

"A Cycle That Refuses To Be Broken"

Madara sighed. The fact that she interrupted his training in the woods annoyed him greatly. But the woman before him showed no signs of relenting and it didn't really matter to him what she thought she could do to help. Allowing Amare to accompany them to battle would be dangerous enough, but if the Senju saw her his fallacy would be exposed in the open and who knows what would happen then.

"You will not be allowed on the battlefield. It is enough that you remain here to heal those who are brought back."

"Many more lives could be saved if I was actually there, though. And more importantly, I want to be there in case you or Izuna-sama get hurt."

Madara scoffed. "What do you think you could do? It is possible you are simply trying to arrange a foolish chance of speaking with your brothers. I needn't have to remind you that it would certainly result in death. Hashirama wouldn't even be able to protect you from the rest of your clan."

"This request has nothing to do with my fam-" Amare paused. "…the Senju. I want to be able to protect you both the best I can and I rather risk my life doing it than wait here the both of you to return." She stood firmly before him, and it honestly surprised her that she would ever be so bold towards one of the strongest men she used to recognize as a sworn enemy. Never could she have imagined that she would end up being friends with him or Izuna. Wouldn't have imagined betraying her own clan for that friendship, either.

For a moment Madara felt reminded of the conversations he once shared with Hashirama. How could he know for sure how she felt?

"Show me your resolve." His reply shocked her, but it was a glimmer of hope that he hadn't totally shut her down. Amare bit her lip. My resolve…

It was not often that someone could surprise or catch him off guard, but her next move astounded him.

Amare didn't hesitate reaching for a kunai, knowing the only one way that she could persuade Madara to believe in her resolve.

"If you do not trust me because of my lineage, or yet because I am a woman, it is an insult that I will wound myself, even fatally for to show you otherwise." She aimed for her abdomen, fully intending to prove herself in a heinous manner.

Catching her hand in his before she could harm herself, Madara's eyes met with hers.

"You will get your wish, but only under my conditions."

"Anything at all." She seemed to eager to be accompanying them into undoubtably the worst battles to come.

"You are to remain, at all times, out of the line of battle. You must not be seen at any point, it is a liability. The only way you will be helping is if you remain out of sight taking care of the wounded." He released her hand.

"Of course. Thank you…" Amare bowed. "This favor means so much to me." She hurried away with a small smile, leaving Madara to mull over how he would handle his livid younger brother. Izuna approached him moments later with a sulky expression.

"Did you think I wouldn't notice you watching from afar?" Madara shook his head with a small smirk. Izuna looked surprised to hear this.

"You knew I was watching with my sharingan? I suppose I shouldn't be that surprised…"

"So you witnessed everything."

"I'm not happy with your decision…Tobirama has great sensor ability, and you think that it is safe and she won't be found?"

"I will take care of it. She won't be anywhere near his range, we will make sure of it. Why would they seek her out when she is dead? Focus on killing Tobirama, then there won't be a problem."

"Hmph. Easier said than done, but i'll accept it. She will be guarded, correct?"

"There will be a few others who will accompany her, others who are learning how to use medical jutsu. They have fighting capability and it is all we can spare in order to make sure there is nothing attracting the enemy to that location."

Silence fell between them. Madara could sense the unease his brother felt at the situation. He placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't let it be a distraction. I assure you that she will be safe." Izuna nodded in response. How could he not believe in his older brother's promise?

—-

Amare adorned simple black pants and long-sleeved shirt with the Uchiha clan symbol on the back, something she was not accustomed to. According to what Madara told her, a Uchiha had acquired the fuinjutsu for a technique that would allow the user to place a portion of their chakra into items. The technique, for stealth purposes, was used on the clothing to help throw off her chakra signature to any who may possess the ability to sense and recognize it. She surmised that the very Uchiha who copied the technique acquired it from an Uzumaki.

Four of them altogether set up a small encampment a ways from where their battles usually took place. It did not take long until several casualties rolled in along with their injured comrades. Children and adults alike, none spared, war never changing.

For the sake of her purpose, she began to shut off all emotion, going from patient to patient and directing those who carried the unfortunate dead. What else could she have expected but to be mentally and emotionally pushed to the limits, battle after battle. The entire time she tried keeping herself from worrying for Madara and Izuna, constantly pushing it to the back of her mind in order to do her job. The wellbeing of her brothers also concerned her, part of her knowing that the battles were more brutal and personal than ever. For several months she didn't see much of Izuna or Madara and winter was upon them. After finishing her rounds and sending out several wounded men to be transported back to their missions, she took a seat away from everything. She just needed a moment.

"Amare…"

A voice which she hadn't heard so often anymore, it made her jerk her head up.

"Izuna? Is something wrong? Why are you here?" She stood up to inspect him thoroughly.

"Nothing serious. I came to see how you are."

"That casually? I'm doing fine."

"How are you really?" It was as if he could see through her facade.

"I'm tired." She gave a sigh. "Mentally and physically. There are many wounded, but many more dead. I hate seeing things like this. But what about you?"

"I don't like the casualties, either. But i'm fine."

"You aren't overdoing it?"

"I suppose we always overdo things."

She rolled her eyes in response then things became quiet between them. Izuna moved closer to her as the sky darkened completely around them. Both of them had little to say at this point, being worn out and stretched to the limit. Amare gasped in surprise when Izuna pulled her into him, content to just hold her for the time being. The minutes they spent like that felt like hours, but far too short compared to the time they were apart.

"I need you to be stationed closer to me."

"But I thought you were against the idea of me being anywhere close."

"It doesn't matter. It is imperative that you are closer by."

"I won't object, but for what reason?"

Izuna wasn't sure what answer to give but his hesitation was enough to que Amare.

"It is your brother, correct? What is wrong?" Amare looked up at him, still in his arms. Izuna looked very grim and concerned, something she had not seen of him.

"It is his sight. He hasn't said anything, but I can tell that he is reacting slower than normal, even if it is by milliseconds…"

Amare frowned. "It is that Sharingan, isn't it? He must be over-exerting…" Izuna nodded. "I see. I'll be close by."

Izuna gently kissed the top of her head. The risk to her safety was great, they both knew that. However, if anything were to happen to Madara, the Uchiha would not be able to hold up against the Senju. At any cost, his brother must live.

—-

She was so close she could feel them, their chakra. Being that close would be dangerous. Tobirama possessed excellent skills as a sensor, so great that he would most likely detect the abnormality and see through it, but Amare was counting on the fact that he would be solely focused on his battle. The important thing was that she could sense Madara and Izuna. With the way that Madara fought still, it would be nearly impossible to detect differences in his fighting. But if Izuna expressed concerns, then it had to be true that his eyes were becoming weary. In a battle so close, any advantages no matter how small could result in Hashirama gaining an upper hand against Madara. So she stayed hidden and used as little chakra as possible as per Izuna's request. The only person who accompanied her was a woman named Kyou, who possessed more talent with a sword than for the healing that Amare taught. The woman was out in front of her by about fifty yards, waving Amare to come quickly attend to someone who was gravely wounded. As the healer rushed close, she could see how bad it was but refused to tell anyone that they were too far gone to save. Kyou silently watched the Senju woman frantically try to heal him knowing it was futile. Slowly, the man's chest ceased to rise again and Amare stopped her treatment, staring emptily towards the battlefield. Her first concern went to Madara, who would share that same fate if anyone failed. Izuna voiced no worry of his own eyes succumbing to exhaustion. Amare thought back to a conversation between them, before the fighting resumed.

"His eyesight is getting worse with every use. If he continues using his sharingan so liberally, he will surely lose his sight…" Izuna made sure to confront her about this in utter privacy, having walked her out towards the wooded training area during a moonless night.

Amare sighed. "He should take it easy. But I know he wouldn't agree." It worried her more than she let on. If Madara was not around to even the playing field, Izuna would be overwhelmed quickly. Or likewise.

"I fear it is beyond needing rest. The damage from using the Mangekyo Sharingan over time leads to permanent blindness. Unless…" Amare watched him, feeling uneasy with what he was about to say. "He receives my eyes. He may need them to protect the clan."

"Izuna…" Amare reached out to touch his hand gently. "I understand."

Izuna gave her a soft smile, he had been resisting the urge to kiss her for quite some time. His older brother advised against it given their position in their clan, but a little fun wouldn't do harm, would it? Izuna chuckled at the surprise on Amare's face when he gently grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her against him. Her heart began to race when his face lowered down to hers until their lips met for a few moments before Izuna retreated with a sly smirk. Immediately, Amare felt her cheeks burning. "You're just teasing me again!" She reacted with genuine anger, causing Izuna to question if he should have done it. "What makes you believe that you know my intentions, hm?" "The look on your face, and…" Izuna sighed, women were so sensitive sometimes, but perhaps he hadn't done enough to make her see his true feelings. "I apologize if I ever came across as having un-noble intentions, but there is something you should have learnt about me by now." The grip he had on her wrist tightened ever so slightly as his face became deathly serious, it sent a chill down her spine. "There is never an act I commit that is wasted on insincerity." Hearing this gave Amare a sheepish smile, how did this man make her feel silly for doubting a former enemy?

Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Amare snapped back to reality and looked down at the body and her bloodied hands. Kyou's face was crinkled in concern. "We can't waste any time, stay mindful!" The Uchiha woman chided not out of spite but care. Amare stood up slowly as she focused on sensing her brothers in the distance. Giving the body one last glance, her fists clenched. "I can't let this happen…I hope you understand." Amare muttered before taking off in a dead sprint towards the fighting, determined to make it all end, even if she wasn't sure how. Kyou looked bewildered, unsure if she was even speaking to her. "Amare-san! Curse it all…" The woman was quick to follow, if anything happened to Amare, it would be her head.

—

Sweat dripped down from Izuna's face as him and his opponent took pause, both men exhausted and nearly reaching their limits after days of fighting. There was an odd presence approaching that Tobirama could sense, but he didn't take his eyes from the enemy for a moment or else risk being killed. It felt strangely familiar, yet very different. Izuna went in for another attack, this time activating his sharingan as they clashed swords. Tobirama's eyes quickly went shut which he would pay for; Izuna landed a swift punch and kick that sent him sliding back. He suddenly heard a voice calling after him, one that made him wonder if somehow he was caught in a genjutsu or in near-death shape. The voice begged him to stop but he couldn't look, because she was supposed to be dead and there was no good reason for that kind of deception. It only filled him with rage and gave him enough energy to counter the Uchiha's fireball jutsu with a water one. Being backed on the defensive, Tobirama had no choice but to use his new technique given the opportunity. During the ensuing steam that blinded them both, Tobirama got up and threw his kunai, which would have been a deadly sneak attack if Izuna did not utilize his sharingan. With a slight smirk, Izuna dodged the kunai attack with ease. The smirk faded as his opponent's blade pierced his abdomen, the blow that would decide Tobirama as victor. Tobirama stood several feet behind Izuna breathing heavily, finally looking towards where the voice of his sister came from.

Amare watched in horror as Izuna was struck with Tobirama's blade. Moments before she was pleading with them to stop fighting, but neither men could afford to be distracted. Tobirama stared at the sister who was supposed to be dead. "Amare…" He instantly noticed how she was dressed, the emotions she freely displayed at Izuna's injury, and it all clicked. In an instant, Madara was at Izuna's side and holding him up. "Brother…Hang in there, I will save you." He looked up to see Amare and felt a mixture of anger and relief. Was she somehow responsible for this? For now, it didn't matter as long as she could heal his brother. Amare remained where she was, feeling utterly powerless now that both Hashirama and Tobirama were before her. "Imouto…?!" (little sister) Hashirama had believed his sister dead, and unlike Tobirama, felt pity for her presumptive position. Tears fell down her face freely at the overwhelming conflict; there was the fear she felt towards losing Izuna, the Uchiha's trust that she worked so hard to earn, and the respect of her own family. "Don't look at her as our sister, Hashirama! She is a traitor, bearing the Uchiha symbol." Tobirama's harsh words cut through her heart like a knife, but it was expected from him and understandable. "This fighting must stop, don't you understand?! Killing each other day in and day out, does that make you happy? It only brings both sides despair, this I have witnessed…" Amare quickly moved between Hashirama and Madara, hoping that her brother would not continue this fight any longer since Izuna was gravely injured. Madara watched, silently surprised that she would do this. Hashirama sheathed his sword with a nod. "You are right, and that is my desire." His gaze went from her to Madara as he began to attempt at persuading him. "Madara…You cannot defeat me. Why don't we end this? If the two strongest shinobi clans, the Uchiha and Senju, join forces, nations will not be able to find other shinobi clans that can stand against us…The conflict will eventually die down. Come on." He extended his hand as a sign of peace. Madara considered his words carefully, knowing that many of his clan suffered great losses on this day. As Izuna felt his older brother move forward to accept this, he mustered up all of his strength to remind him of who they were dealing with. "No…brother…" Izuna glared up at Hashirama, but the fierceness was dulled by pain and weakness. Madara looked down at him. "Izuna…" "Do not be deceived by them…Have you forgotten that these bastards killed everyone…Killed the Uchiha?" His brother's words were enough to make Madara question the idea of peace with Senju once more. "Amare." His voice was commanding. "Izuna needs treatment." Amare nodded, backing away from Hashirama and going to help hold Izuna up on the other side. From the way Amare looked at him and touched him, Hashirama read her feelings and intentions. In a flurry of smoke, the three of them were gone.

—-

"Her heart is not traitorous, Tobirama, so stop referring to her as such." Hashirama commanded firmly, glaring at his younger brother. Several days passed, the two of them did not speak much of what happened until now. "The important thing is that our sister is alive." Tobirama stood with folded arms and a soured look. "They kept her alive because she willingly denounced us, do not be such a fool-hearted man!" Even if his brother was leader, he still acted foolishly at times and relied too much on emotion. "She was doing what I myself would do in such a position!" This time, Hashirama would not back down to his younger brother, though their fights never left a permanent mark on their relationship. Tobirama knew what that meant, and with a sigh, calmed himself down. "But what is going to happen next? We know she is alive, and if Izuna doesn't make it…" Hashirama sighed. "I know." But Madara may yet see reason…

—-

As soon as they made it back home, Amare went to work trying to treat Izuna's wound. Madara oversaw all of this, refusing to leave his brother's side at any point. Izuna fluttered in and out of consciousness, everything began to feel like a dream to him. After what felt like forever, he was placed in a bed for comfortable rest. But he had something important to say, so he focused as hard as possible on remaining awake. "Amare…" He began to cough up blood violently at trying to speak, prompting Amare to shush him. "Don't speak, you need all of your strength." From the look in his eyes, Amare knew he thought there would be no reason for that. "It's no use Amare, your brother did too much damage…" He spoke so quietly, Amare leaned in to hear him. Her hand grasped onto his firmly. "No, no, don't talk like that…Madara-sama needs you." Even in his dying state, Izuna felt the urge to tease her suddenly. "And you? I suppose-…" He coughed some more, unable to finish his sentence. Amare cleaned the blood from the side of his mouth with a cloth, but said nothing. When the pain dulled down, he spoke once more. "I want you to do what we talked about before." Amare shot a look back at Madara, who was standing in the corner of the room solemnly with his arms folded, then back down to Izuna sadly. "If I do the surgery now…" She began to question him, but Izuna's desire was absolute. "You promised me you would, don't go back on that now!" He looked to Madara, who walked over to join Amare at his brother's side, kneeling down. "It will be done." His certainty also concerned Amare, but she wouldn't question it any further. "I will do it."

Madara felt the sting of irony that they were placing the highest level of trust in a Senju, considering that one caused this situation to begin with. But he knew Amare would not falter. It didn't take as long as expected, but temporarily, Madara would need time to heal as well. Blind or not, Madara hoped that his brother would survive his wound to at least be at his side as an advisor. Several days later, when a servant fetched him with urgency, he knew it would be bad. Izuna's condition deteriorated despite Amare's best efforts, and that was all they had. Alone with his brother he sat, knowing that the day would hold their final moments. Izuna smiled up at his brother weakly. "I already asked you to protect the Uchiha with my eyes, but there is something else I must ask of you…" Madara quickly let him know that he would do anything in the world for his brother, so Izuna continued. "Look after Amare, also, with my eyes…" No longer did he think of her as a Senju, especially after she faced her own brothers and still chose his family. This time when Izuna fell back asleep, he did not wake up. A short time later he would pass, but it was without worry, because Madara would protect what he loved.

—-

From Author:

Initially, I went into writing this chapter thinking "this is it, i'm closing it up in one huge chapter!" But as I wrote it, I remembered how much i enjoyed this story and felt that packing so much into one chapter would be too overwhelming. My one regret is that 2-3 years ago, I didn't develop Izuna and Amare's relationship better. The upside to this is that it gives way to something else entirely…Either way, from the very first chapter, I knew how I wanted this to end and I am happy to say that the story will still end the way I first envisioned it, even if it did take several years to conclude. I am considering going back to re-edit previous chapters and possibly adding a great deal of content that would add some more brotherly rivalry and romance, in hindsight, I really wish I would have added more of that stuff~! I want to be satisfied with this project before it is 'shelved' so to say, so look out for updates on that.

Unfortunately for Izuna, I have decided to stick to canon. The death of Izuna was too impactful on Madara, and in fact, it is his death which leads to Madara eventually agreeing to a peace treaty. As long as Izuna was alive to influence Madara's view of the Senju as enemies, he would not move forward with a treaty hence creating Konoha. Sticking true to the character, I'm not 100% that he would have ever accepted the idea of loving a Senju the same way *someone else* might, he was too jaded by the past. But I made it that in death, he did accept those feelings after perceiving her actions to be a sign of loyalty to the Uchiha, so RIP. I'm just as sad to kill him off in a fic, as he was adorable and one of my favorites. But hell, this is why it is called "Star Crossed", because the Izuna/Amare pair was doomed from the beginning… :'( Amare and Madara can bond over the loss, but could there end up being more to it?

Until next chapter…