19.
The worst part was waiting for the bloodshed to begin. Part of Yuna felt was convinced that she will burn in hell for this.
No, she assured herself for the thousandth time this day, they would be slaughtered even without my help. The best she could do was to get the most out of this situation.
"What are we going to do after this is finished?" asked Yuna. Her voice had a quiver in it.
She was standing in the middle of the room while two maids were silently donning her armour.
Madara was close by, pouring over the tactics for one last time; trying to find anything they might've missed. Just one tactical miscalculation could cost the lives of an entire platoon.
For the first time in a while he felt quite…amused. Yuna's actions had been a perfectly calculated political scheme, and oh how it had worked to her benefit. Not to mention that he could finally see her in action. Madara had only a vague understanding of her skills, having observed her training on the day they first met.
Out there, she was on her own. It was for her own good. If Yuna's plan was to gain a foothold in the Uchiha, she would have to prove her skills. A woman who was both cunning and deadly was an Uchiha dream come true.
True enough, she'd have to gain some control over her voice and face first. Madara dreaded to find out what will happen if she falters out there.
He walked over to her, chuckling, and slid his hands around her waist, "One step at a time, don't focus on the future right now."
Yuna closed her eyes, sighing. "I'll take it from here," she heard Madara utter and the two maids left them in private.
'Are we ever going to stop waging war on each other?' he asked and continued to secure the chest plate.
It was alarming how easily he could adapt. Madara wasn't heartless, not completely at least, but he couldn't find sense in pouring over the deaths of his enemies.
He wasn't haunted by the blood and screams of the people he had killed, they knew exactly what they were in for. Given the chance, they would return the favour without hesitating.
Just for a faint moment, Uchiha Madara caught himself looking in the mirror, with all the walls lowered and thinking; is this what I want to look like to others? The red crystal was hidden under layers of armour; the power surging in it was warm against his skin.
He loved power like he could never love a person, and enjoyed it. For one he did believe that he was doing more good than bad. So if he had to portray an arrogant, inconsiderate jerk in exchange for prosperity, then he was ready for it.
Madara blinked, and the usual glimmer of smugness returned to his eyes. Time to return to reality.
He took a step back, finally pleased with his work.
Yuna's armour was similar to his own, with the Uchiha crest drawn on her back.
She made a small twirl with a small smile on her lips, "How do I look?"
The smile was merely a grimace, it didn't reach her eyes. Heck, he was well aware that she was most likely close to tears. While Madara couldn't understand meaningless sentiments, he could imagine the situation if he were pitched against Izuna in a battle.
Actually there would be no battle; Izuna would most likely gut himself if that mean's Madara's continued survival.
"Surprisingly decent, now wipe that snarl off your face. There's no need to perform gimmicks in my presence."
Yuna looked surprisingly grateful and began strapping various weapons on herself. Knives, needles, pretty much anything she could fit under the armour.
"If possible, bring Eiko back alive. I know you'd want to deal with her personally."
The surprise on her face was evident and the tense silence just kept stretching on.
"You truly are a cruel man," she murmured, "Not that I was unaware of it before…What makes you think that I will even think of following that order? Will you whip me for misbehaving?"
He had a knack for making her life a living hell occasionally. There had been promising moments of civility, true enough. She knew quite a lot of people who would laugh it off and say "Well it's a marriage isn't it?"
To hell with them!
Madara's smirk didn't fade: "Oh, well how about you find out on your own?"
"I just might," she snapped back at him, arms crossed.
His hand made an involuntary jerk with the sudden urge to destroy something. That scoffing annoyed the hell out of him; she'll get wrinkles before long.
"And what would you gain?" He asked calmly, "All this effort and scheming, only to blow it into bits at the final push."
He put his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to meets his gaze, "You were powerful back there, don't run away now. Prove yourself here and there will be no more rumours of your disloyalty."
The physical contact was aggravating, making her feel trapped. She pushed his hands away and took a step back, but he remained nearby. There was no escaping Madara's presence or influence anywhere.
"What do you plan to do with her?"
"A public execution right on the battlefield, preferably carried out by you."
Yuna's breath hitched in her throat, "Absolutely not…" she said, her voice barely a whisper.
"To hell with that idea, burn it to the fucking ground! Do you remember nothing about what I told you? She is most likely insane by now, considering how much they overused her powers. I will not let you turn her death into some political spectacle."
She stared him down and oh how he loved to point out the contradiction in her little speech, "This entire thing is a farce, a spectacle. Don't come telling me how one lie is worse than the other…Unless you are enjoying this."
It took her last ounces of self-control to keep from stabbing him.
"Enjoy this?" she asked, flabbergasted by the suggestion.
"Don't tell me you didn't like the effect you had on people. It felt good, did it not?"
"You and I, we're not the same," she snarled at him.
Madara twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers absentmindedly, "A pity,"
Yuna had been stationed to a random platoon, though she hardly believed the choice to be random, considering the fact that she was surrounded by Uchiha troops with Madara ahead of her. They had been fed some soldier pills and then formed small packs to stalk through the woods like wolves. They were spread wide and thin.
She kept up with the men, looking unfazed. Really, she welcomed the workout. She had become sluggish, accustomed to living comfortably.
All of this would be meaningless if she lost her composure at any point. It didn't require much to recognise horrible acting and she was going to give them one hell of a show.
Yuna thought of one positive aspect about Madara – he did enjoy a good front-line battle. Most generals stayed behind, but Yuna's husband was the rare sort that had an intrinsic knack to stay alive.
The men around her occasionally spared some glances at her, not sure how to act around her or what to make of this. News of her cooperation and part in this war had spread and for the first time she felt accepted as the looks directed to her were curios, not scowls.
Clad in Uchiha armour, she was the perfect patriot that they wanted Yuna to be.
The command Madara had given her was maddening. There was no way in hell that she would follow it…could follow it.
She was torn between who she was and who she was required to portray.
Yuna wasn't counting on Madara to keep her safe in the heat of the battle, he'd probably be too wrapped up in his adrenaline-driven bloodlust to pay attention to her. They would make camp in the evening. Madara had to meet with his generals to explain the battle plans to them and distribute tasks.
This dull, endless running gave Yuna the much needed time to sort out her thoughts.
It would be easier to dehumanise them, the enemy. She knew that if would be easier once they were on the battlefield because they won't hesitate. It will be easier for her if she can turn the situation into self-defence, not a slaughter.
But Eiko…how to handle this situation?
What a cruel, funny world in which she was living. Yuna knew she had no right to complain, especially since no one forced her into this situation.
She could've remained passive back then, yet she chose to take matters in her own hand and make a theatrical scene of it all.
Heck, she wanted to gain Madara's respect. Back then she had felt powerful, and he was mesmerised by it.
Yuna caught glimpse of his back further ahead. Why did she even felt the need to earn his respect?
True enough, their relationship had grown warmer as the pair was establishing a mutual understanding. They were actually talking, exchanging their world views without idle threats or shouting and for the first time she caught glimpses of a man worth of admiration.
Under the crass layers of confidence was a fierce sense of loyalty. He would walk through ice and fire if it benefitted the Uchiha in any way.
And the little moments of intimacy that caused her heartbeat to become erratic…
They had to make up lost time…
Summer was their season. Even if the summer came again with the heat, soft grass and cicadas it still wouldn't be the same as last year.
Last summer she was free and happier than ever, but now she found herself propagating the slaughter of her family. Just to earn respect and be accepted.
What the hell did that say about her, or them for that matter?
Even so there had been some changes to Madara's behaviour.
One thing Yuna could tell was that he had refrained from cheating for quite a while.
She couldn't remember the exact day it happened…It was sort of like gradual rehabilitation.
It started slowly. At one point Madara stopped bringing the women home, then he began lying about it until it became apparent that he had embraced the life of temporary celibacy.
Well, at least he was making an effort.
Encircling a table was Madara along with his most trusted generals, and Yuna.
She listened to the battle plans, formations, everything. The thought to run to the Kunisada to share this crossed her mind more than once.
Not that Madara would let her out of his sight.
"Aim to overpower them with brute force. Kunisada ninja take pride in their cunning, not brute strength. They will use any means necessary to take you out from a distance."
Why had she spoken up?
"With bows?" asked one of the generals. He was directly responsible for the first assault.
"No," she continued, "Not necessarily…bows, senbon, traps, anything really. As long as it kills. You could sneak up on them at the crack of dawn and set off all the traps."
Madara looked at the captain, "Would that work?"
"It might…depending on the traps."
This carried on for hours. Yuna's feet were growing sore from standing and she started shifting her weight from one foot to the other.
When the meeting was finally concluded Yuna swore that she might cry from joy. She gladly ate the dinner brought in earlier, but Madara was still pouring over the maps.
Why? He probably had them memorised already.
"What happens if you get a woman pregnant outside your marriage? Would that child still be your heir?" Yuna asked, the question had dwelled on her mind from a long time ago and it just decided to pop out of her mouth out of nowhere.
She was expecting him to grow irritated, growl, react in some violent manner.
"No, but..." his voice trailed off and the man paused for a moment before continuing, "I do have a daughter," he confessed.
Just a second ago she was completely relaxed, or as relaxed as you can be in armour, but now it was feeling a bit restricting. She never thought of Madara as a father.
"Where is she? Do you know her name?" She inquired. Madara had long stopped his outbursts, so she didn't hold back anymore.
The silence surrounding them was almost perfect, except for someone's snoring coming from another tent and the cracking of the wood. The joys of a military camp!
"Mitsuki, that's her name. She's about 2 years old now. I don't know anything else about her. Her mother took her and left when she learned that the clan wouldn't accept the baby," he scoffed, "What was she thinking that they would be welcomed with smiles?"
It was fascinating to see Madara talking so freely. It seemed as if he forgot about Yuna's presence and was thinking out loud.
"Do you want to see her again?" Yuna asked. Did she mean the child or the mother? Yuna herself was unsure.
She held her breath, waiting for his answer. In the back of her throat she felt a bitter taste. Was this jealousy?
"It would be nice," he replied. Yuna felt her mood drop several notches.
"I never got the chance to actually start loving Mitsuki since I didn't know about her until after she was born. I only saw her once and that was before her mother left with her."
Oh, he was talking about his daughter? Not the woman?
She felt petty for even worrying about such trivial matters. It screamed insecurity.
"I might've been ahead of myself earlier," admitted Madara, his onyx eyes piercing hers.
"Do as you want, just as long as Eiko dies. No need to push the boundaries…Displaying loyalty is not equal with mindless butchery."
Her appetite was gone suddenly. Yuna broke the eye contact to stare at the bowl in front of her instead.
"I appreciate it."
"Of course you do," he replied.
Madara wanted to smack himself for that. Completely uncalled for! He couldn't help it, he was just naturally smug.
"Goodnight," he said suddenly and retreated, lying down on the futon set there earlier.
The last thing he saw was Yuna, still unmoving.
She sat still for a purpose. Listening to the slow deep breaths coming from him was relaxing.
What she really wanted to do was to chuck the bowl of rice right at the arrogant prick. Did he think of it as a favour? Giving her permission to end her sister's life with some shred of dignity? What, did Madara think of himself as a fucking god?
Of course he did! She should be at his feet to leave an offering.
"Good luck tomorrow, ass," she hissed in the darkness. They only had one blanket, and she sure as hell wasn't going to sleep next to him that night. She grabbed the pillow and curled up in the farthest corner possible.
Yuna was hidden above, concealed by the yellowing leaves.
About fifty feet away was the camp occupied by the Kunisada. Eiko would be there, hidden somewhere underneath a bed.
They were waiting for Madara's signal, when she asked about the signal, all that he said was "You'll know it when you see it." Yuna had an idea of what that might be.
Madara had sneered in his usual manner when his general suggested detonating the traps.
"Just line the camp with mines," he sneered, as if it was the most casual of proposals.
She could only assume that Eiko was somewhere in the centre of the campsite. She just had to find her chakra signature. Of course, in the mass of men it would be no easy task.
Yuna's hands were clenched into tight fists; her nails were digging into her palms strong enough to draw blood. In a few moments she has to jump out there and start slaughtering the people who raised her with no hesitation. Eyes were going to be on her out there and she couldn't afford to make any mistakes.
She almost fell out of the tree when the mines were detonated. A circle of fire surrounded the camp, the ground had split from here and there. The mines managed to set off a chunk of traps.
The archery team reacted, sending flaming arrows flying towards the tents.
The tents were made of fabric, and caught fire in no time. The ruckus the mines had made was enough to get the Kunisada up and moving.
A few seconds later the Kunisada retaliated. Just as Yuna had predicted they used bows, but the panic that Madara had managed to cause was enough to disorganise their ranks.
Yuna flinched when the first screams reached her ears. She felt like throwing up right then and there.
She gasped when her eyes found Madara, leading the attack. He stopped before the ring of fire and breathed in the scent of scorched fabric.
He stood still, seemingly deflecting all arrows aimed at him before his fingers curled around the handle of the iron battle fan. With a smug smirk on his lips he slashed through the air.
The simple movement caused a shockwave that even shook the leaves in front of Yuna's eyes.
Well, that must've been the signal. No doubt about that.
The Uchiha men revealed themselves, moving into formation. Their battle cries were deafening, yet she didn't join in.
That little stunt had given the Kunisada enough time to gather their men and weapons. Unlike the Uchiha, they allowed and sent women into battles.
Yuna jumped out and in one fluid motion, unsheathed her katana.
She only caught a brief glimpse of Madara. He was observing the campsite while his men were taking their positions. Yuna looked up and a small smirk appeared on her lips.
While the Kunisada had approximately seven hundred men and women, the Uchiha only had around three hundred.
Her concerns had been easily brushed off by Madara who only seemed amused by this prospect of a challenging fight. He was confident in his abilities and knew what his army was capable of.
The Uchiha were swift and deadly, like a well-oiled machine, navigating the fields skilfully. They managed to dodge incoming arrows, pits of fire and various traps that the landmines hadn't detonated yet. Yet they kept their distance.
The Kunisada were the first ones to attack, and as soon as the first man was in range, Madara signalled one of his men to set off the second wave of mines.
His eyebrow rose when nothing happened as realisation dawned.
"Bitches..." Yuna saw him sneer from afar. He offered a curt nod and the Uchiha attacked.
Yuna was right there when the first wave hit. Her first victim was difficult, but she managed to numb her feelings after each slash.
Her family fell one after another like clay puppets. She tried to think of them as if they were nothing, imagining that this was just target practice.
She stopped for a moment when her eyes caught sight of Madara. Yuna had to admit that he was...magnificent, radiant. She could feel a magnetic pull, beckoning her to go closer.
His moves were sharp, fast and deadly as he gracefully danced through the men, his katana cutting through flesh and bone without mercy. The metal fan did a good job of doubling as a hatchet.
Blood splattered in every direction, but it seemed as if he didn't even notice it. His eyes glinted with some unknown emotion, but it was almost as if he was having fun. She did notice that he hadn't used any ninjutsu or genjutsu.
He didn't find them worthy of the effort…
Yuna wanted to stay and keep looking at this strangely beautiful sight, but the screams brought her back to reality. She had made the mistake of becoming stagnant, when she looked up her eyes caught the metallic glint of a blade.
She was about to decapitate him, but Madara beat her to it. It took one flick of his wrist to send the head toppling down. Yuna stepped back when the blood started spilling everywhere. Her eyes moved up to see Madara standing there, and for once he looked annoyed.
"Don't waste your time here. You have another purpose here, don't squander it," he said impatiently before diving back into the battle.
This was enough to rattle her memory. She had nearly forgotten about Eiko, turning all of her focus on killing the final specks of emotion she had left.
Yuna began forcing her way through the men, lashing at those who weren't branded with the Uchiha crest.
She winced when she felt a sharp pain in her right calf and bit back a scream. She looked down to see one of the Kunisada soldiers. The poor sod was already dying, his clothes were soaked with blood and as a last futile effort of loyalty he chose to shove the knife into anything that moved.
He recognised her, and smiled triumphantly. She growled, that expression sparked her rage, before cutting off his head.
Yuna could feel it, all of her anger slowly pouring out from her well-guarded walls. A sadistic smile appeared on her lips when she saw the women screaming, trying to gather all of their belongings while their tents were burning. Thick black smoke dirtied the clear blue sky. Yes, this was better than apathy, she could thrive on anger.
She moved sharply and quickly as she zigzagged through the hordes of civilian women and children. For that moment she forgot all about the past ties.
They were enemies and if she let them live her mission would fail. Without hesitation she bled the people in her way. They would be running into certain death even without her aid.
Her eyes were looking around frantically in the chaos, trying to see or sense Eiko. Yuna was making her way to the centre of the field. She saw some of the Uchiha men advance with her. At least they were still controlling the battle.
Yuna continued her way to the middle and she entered the most extravagant tent of them all.
She ducked out of reflex when some kunai were sent flying towards her. Yuna deflected some of them with her katana, and dodged the rest. She slowly straightened up and her eyebrow rose at the sight.
The altar meant for Eiko was occupied by someone else entirely. Yuna forgot all about the time and walked forward with a stern look. Hikari looked up and smiled as she always had. Every intention was covered up with a smile.
"You're not going to fight back?" asked Yuna.
Her mother sighed and two tears slid down her cheeks.
"I'm so sorry darling...but I'm still proud o-."
Yuna cut her off with a slap. Her hands were shaking of anger, "Cut the crap!" she shrieked.
Oh how she wanted to cause pain to her mother at that moment. Even now she was manipulating her, hoping that their blood relation will make this better.
"You…You fucking abandoned me in that place for your own selfish reasons! I'm your god damn daughter and you just left like it was nothing!" She screamed.
Yuna didn't care if anyone heard. The outside world ceased to exist at that moment.
Hikari remained silent, her fingertips brushing against her cheek. No need to worry about it leaving a mark, she was going to die soon enough.
"Yes...I did. I know you're probably here for Eiko…
I'll tell you where she is, no strings attached. My last deed as a mother, of sort."
Yuna's eyes narrowed and she raised her katana, "You think that I will trust you?" she whispered, suddenly too tired to shout.
Her mother shook her head, "If you believed me without a speck of doubt I'd have to apologise for failing to raise you right," her smile disappeared and she looked up, "but please, I'm doing this for you and Eiko. So please..."
Her voice was pleading and almost desperate. Yuna had clenched her mouth, unsure what to do. Wherever her mother led her, it couldn't be much worse than this.
"You better tell the truth," she managed to force out after some time. Hikari sighed, obviously weary, "Why would I lie?" She asked.
"What could I possibly gain from lying? Who would've thought...That's not exactly how I pictured my death."
Yuna snorted, "Want me to leave you to the Uchiha? Better hurry up and offer some answers,"
Her mother didn't even flinch at the coldness of her tone. Yuna had barely any control of her emotions at that moment. She knew that she will regret her words later.
"Go out the back of the tent. If you follow a road down the forest you'll end up near a river. Follow the current until you reach a valley with a waterfall."
Hikari rose from the seat, meeting Yuna in the middle of the room bravely.
"I love you sweetie..." she whispered, "Despite all the wrong."
Her voice barely reached Yuna's ears. Yuna slashed her mother's throat before emotions could cloud her judgement. At that moment time slowed down to the point of stagnation.
She could hear the sickening metallic sound as the blade ripped through skin, muscle and the windpipe. There was so much blood. Yuna never thought that so much blood could go into one human being.
For a few minutes she just stood there, her hands shaking, looking down at the dead body of her mother. The woman's hair sprawled around her body, dyed red with blood. Her cheeks were still teary.
The tent was already catching fire, a fitting funeral pyre for her mother. She could not waste any more time here, allowing herself one last look of her mother.
She pressed on, following her mother's instructions.
The battle was still on, that was expected. Sound returned to the world, clinks of metal and explosions.
A sickening sight was exposed to Yuna. Dead bodies and limbs were sprawled everywhere, the grass was wet and slippery from the amount of blood that was covering the ground. She felt her breakfast threatening to come right back up. Yuna ran through the bodies, trying not to trip or slip on the way.
It was like an infinitely repeating pattern, she dodged some kunai and killed anyone who dared to attack her.
Yuna hissed when a kunai crazed her left arm. It was merely a flesh wound, something to deal with later. She could see the black cloth get dirty with fresh blood. Yuna ignored the pain and ran forward.
Her fear became reality. Yuna's foot slipped and she fell, falling flat on her stomach.
It was disgusting. Her eyes shot open and she started looking around frantically, looking for her katana that had flew from her hand in the process. Idiotic, stupid rookie mistake! Never let go of your weapon.
Yuna yelped when someone's hand tightened around her hair. A second squeak escaped her lips when she was dragged upwards to her knees. The stranger whipped her around and his fingers caught her throat in a firm grasp and lifted her up in the air. She looked into the eyes of that man. They were blue, just like hers and he was dead inside. This was a man with nothing left to lose.
Am I going to die? I can't die now…
She only noticed one detail about the man, his grin. There was a fresh cut on his cheek and it was bleeding. His grasp tightened around her neck and Yuna struggled to keep her neck from snapping.
"Mistress!" She heard someone shout from away. Oh, an Uchiha most likely... she thought listlessly.
The man screamed, his grip loosened and Yuna was dropped onto the ground. He looked like a hedgehog, with all those knives lodge deep in his back. It didn't kill him but gave Yuna enough time to scramble up from the ground and grab her katana a few feet away.
Whenever she looked away from the battle the scenery changed. She never found out who was her saviour.
Her mother's death had clouded her focus, and she had to stay sharp.
It took about ten minutes for her to get out of the campsite, but it felt like an entire day.
It was so calm in the forest, as if there was a magical barrier separating the two spheres.
Yuna jogged down the hill, using this chance to catch her breath.
She wondered about their losses. How many men had they lost? Will they win this battle?
Madara hadn't taken into account that the Kunisada could anticipate traps as well. Was he truly confident that his clansmen are so powerful that they can win a battle with just two hundred men?
Yuna felt dirty, disgusting. She could wash off the blood but she would still feel tainted and unclean. The weight of her decisions was catching up with her.
Each kill marred her soul, disfiguring it. She didn't believe in heaven or hell, but she did believe that in her next life she'll be punished for the atrocities she has committed.
Just as her mother promised, the road lead up near a river, and she could hear the waterfall faintly downstream. Yuna looked over the shoulder to see the smoke rising up to the sky. It was thicker than before. That was certainly going to attract unwanted attention.
She touched the running water carefully. It was freezing, and seemed clean enough to clean her wounds.
Yuna slowed down to a walking pace. The battle was still on, and even after that there was a lot of time. The clansmen had to clean up, find all of the survivors and patch up those who are hurt. She was done with playing her part for the day.
Yuna couldn't believe it, but she was worried for Madara. Amidst all this turmoil, she still found room for him. As of now he was the only certain constant in her life.
The sound of water breaking the river's surface, it was the most soothing sound she had heard throughout the entire day. She closed her eyes to enjoy it. Suddenly they snapped open again.
This was so easy...too easy. Why?
Why was getting there so easy? She was completely alone now, vulnerable for attack. Her eyes moved around warily and her senses sharpened, ready to react to even the smallest movement.
Yet nothing came, no one leaped from the shadows.
The water was dark, almost black, reflecting the sky and rocks around it. Yuna didn't want to touch it, afraid that she could ruin the scenery. That the water would turn blood red...
She walked to the side of the waterfall. There was an ancient road there, barely usable. She followed it carefully with her katana raised.
Yuna wasn't expecting to hear weeping. The lost one's weeping…
It echoed back against the moist stone walls, the only sound in the darkness.
Yuna didn't move before her eyes had adjusted to the lighting, following the cave to the very end cautiously.
The weeping stopped, but Yuna was about to burst into tears herself.
Her hands started shaking and her knees went weak from the sight before her. The katana slid from her fingers and fell on the floor, clanking.
There was a moment of peace before Eiko started tossing around, trying to pull free from the shackles that held her to the wall. They rattled oh so loudly, the sound was maddening.
She looked frail, starved and half-dead already. Her bloodshot eyes were wide and she seemed to be panicing. Her hands and legs were bruised from the shackles, trails of dried blood blotched her skin.
Didn't she realise that this was only damaging her?
The fresh wave of pain made her break into a new fit of hysteria.
"Why...why...why," she mumbled between sobs, "I know you're all against me. You've been plotting this from the beginning!" her voice cracked under the strain.
Yuna was kneeling on the ground, holding her head in her hands and quietly humming, trying to calm herself. She couldn't afford to lose her calm now, Eiko had long lost it.
Yuna wasn't even sure if Eiko recognized her. This person wore Eiko's body, but she wasn't Yuna's sister.
It was all for Eiko. She had to do it. It would be wrong to let her live like this. Or who was Yuna to decide? Unable to tell right from wrong. With trembling limbs she picked herself up from her hard cold floor and reached for the katana.
Her fingers curled around the hilt. That was real, it physically existed in this world and offered her some certainty.
Without a word she headed to Eiko. Her screaming and tossing made it nearly impossible for Yuna to get close to the shackled to free her.
"Please Eiko...I'm trying to help you. Please stop it." She continued to plead her little sister again and again.
The blood curdling screams didn't stop. Nothing helped. Yuna directed her anger at the shackles. Her hands shook so bad that Yuna had managed to cut into them twice. The gashes weren't deep, it might've been painful, but Yuna's senses had all but turned numb.
Why did little boys idolise shinobi? There was nothing pleasant about a war.
She didn't know how much time passed but it seemed like forever until she finally managed to free Eiko from the wall without hurting her.
She held her sister in a tight grip, doing her best to ignore her screams, curses and cries. Yuna bent down to her sister's ear, "I'm so sorry..." she whispered before plunging the katana right through Eiko's little beating heart. She felt the moment it stopped.
Eiko's screams outlasted her heart.
Yuna pulled it out and laid Eiko's body carefully on the stone floor.
She put the katana back into the scabbard. The waterfall was so god damn noisy, noisy enough to cover anything up.
Yuna took in a deep breath before releasing a long scream. She screamed, screamed so hard her throat started to hurt. She repeated the process again and again, releasing all the anguish. This was her only chance…
Yuna looked over her shoulder for Eiko. She walked to her sister and picked her up. The little girl was light as a feather and limp in her arms.
Well what did she expect?
She carried her baby sister out to freedom.
"I bet you haven't seen the sky in a long time," Yuna whispered, planting a small kiss on Eiko's forehead.
She took one good look at Eiko's face, as she had looked at her mother, before letting go.
The body sunk to the bottom and that was the last time Yuna ever saw her.
Yuna didn't make it back before nightfall, couldn't find the strength to do so. The prospect of piling up the bodies of her now dead relatives would've broken what was left of her.
Her face remained passive as she took in the funeral pyre. Passing clansmen might've mistaken her apathy for strength.
The soldiers, sweaty dirty and covered with blood, were still busy, taking those in need for treatment to the med bays and checking locating remaining survivors.
One of the men who hurried past her noticed Yuna's small wounds and recognised her. He didn't lay a hand on her though, it wasn't his right.
"Mistress, please follow me to the healing tents. Madara-sama has also been looking for you." Yuna looked up dully.
"Of course he has," was he dry response.
She just wanted to go to some place warm and rest. Her stomach growled for the first time in two days. The man who was leading her eyed her carefully.
He was trying to read her expression, find some hints from her body language. Was she tired or regretful?
The man pointed to nearby tent, "Just go inside there."
Yuna waited until he was out of her sight before entering. Those who were more seriously injured were laying down on the right. Everyone else was just sort of…hanging around.
Another person, supposedly a medic, took notice her and took Yuna's hand.
"This way Yuna-sama," he said to her and proceeded to usher her through the crowd of men, "Make way please!" The Uchiha shouted to those who wouldn't budge.
He pushed Yuna to the empty chair and got out some gauze and two bowls; one seemed to be filled with water and the smaller bowl looked like it had some type of disinfectant in it.
He took Yuna's foot, "If I may," he asked politely and rolled up the cloth around her calve. He got a cloth, soaked it in water and, as gently as possible, began washing the wound. Using a pipette, he put the other liquid onto her cut. It stung like a bitch, but Yuna was too tired to react.
"Well," the medic laughed, "I've had tougher men whimper like babies from this."
"This should keep it from getting infected. When we get back head straight to the medics and have someone heal this properly," he informed her.
She didn't say anything the entire time, only vaguely aware that he was speaking to her. He finally put a bandage around her calf and repeated the steps for all of her other cuts. Yuna saw the crowd of men part.
She lifted her eyes to see Madara, his face unreadable. Yuna eyed him from head to toe. He seemed fine, dirty and covered with blood but without any serious injuries.
Yuna got up and thanked the doctor very quietly before walking to Madara. She could feel everyone's eyes on them. His arm wrapped around her waist respectfully as they were leaving.
They walked across the campsite to their own tent in solemn silence. Yuna followed Madara inside. She stood in the middle of it and looked at Madara quietly, waiting for him to say something.
Instead he removed the armour from her. He gently undid every strap and buckle and lifted this weight from her, until she was left standing there in a thin yukata.
Why would he bare her, make her vulnerable like this?
"This is something that I usually hate but," he paused for a moment and turned around, as if he was worried that someone might be there to witness this scene, "You can cry since you have every reason to. I'm just going to go and-."
Madara never got to finish his sentence because Yuna wrapped her arms tightly around him, her body trembling. He was warm, his large frame shielding her from the world.
He was dirty and smelled like death, but other than that Madara offered the warmth and comfort she needed at that moment.
"Don't leave me alone." She whispered, silent tears running down her cheeks. It was a long time before Madara moved, wrapping his arms around her.
"I won't. No one's going to leave you." He said quietly, hushing the crying girl.