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This is the next chappie!
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Recap: "Wouldn't you agree, Madara Uchiha?"
With a few words, Madara's entire plan was foiled.
Ruined.
Destroyed beyond repair.
No thanks to Akari or whatever her name was.
The Fuma heiress raised her hand and Madara and Aria found themselves surrounded by Fuma shinobi. One of them grabbed grabbed Aria from behind, holding a kunai at her throat and covered her mouth with the other.
The woman walked forward. "Come with us or the girl dies."
Madara's sharingan spun wildly. "Do you really think you are in a position to threaten me?"
A devilish glint appeared in his crimson depths, and within the blink of an eye, three Madara shadow clones appeared out of thin air surrounding her; each of them aiming their swords mere inches from her body.
The ninja around them visibly tensed at the abrupt ambush of their mistress. "Whats this?! But how…?" She gasped.
Madara's folded his arms in front of his chest. "Are you surprised? You should've done your research before approaching me. And now you won't live to regret it."
He walked towards Aria and the ninja holding her (chunin level, moderate chakra) began to sweat profusely under Madara's punishing glare. Aria sobbed quietly in his grasp, confusion and fear evident in her eyes.
"Don't come any closer or she dies!" he warned, digging the kunai into Aria's throat causing a small trickle of blood to race down her neck.
Madara stepped closer. "And if I do?"
The ninja didn't like being provoked. Threatened, he swiped hard at Aria's throat who fell to a heap on the ground, drenched in crimson.
"I told you not to come closer didn't I?" he grinned, obviously proud of himself. "Now, your woman is dead and soon you will be too."
Madara looked at him boredly. "Is that so? Why don't you look again?"
The ninja felt his stomach lurch in dread and gulped as he looked to the floor. At his feet lay a random Fuma shinobi – certainly not the young beauty he had bought with him. A poof later, a forth Madara clone emerged on the rooftops carrying a trembling but completely unharmed Aria in his arms.
The Fuma shinobi reeled in terror at the scene that unfolded in front of him. "B-but.. How?! I didn't even see you make any hand signs!"
"Clearly, you don't know your enemy." Madara cast his gaze around the circle of Fuma shinobi. He could feel the fear, anxiety and apprehension running through them. "Your first mistake was challenging me. All of you were trapped in a genjutsu before your master even called for you. Remember, one powerful shinobi is worth more than an entire ninja regimen. Numbers don't win wars – strength and skills do."
The ninja crowed slowly diverted their gaze. Flanked from front and back – more than 100 Madara clones were poised ready to attack. "A good shinobi chooses his opponents wisely."
He addressed the Fuma heiress, "Come quietly. Unless you want these men to die needlessly."
The woman gulped and nodded, fiddling with her robes. Madara strode over to her and grasped her neck in a choke hold. "Take me to your father," he ordered. "Lets see what he's willing to pay for your life."
Once the shadow clones disappeared, the ninja dispersed and Aria slumped to the floor.
Madara Uchiha… Was this some sort of joke?
Holding her head in her hands, she looked up at the warrior who she once knew as Haru.
Haru – the first man she ever wanted.
And he had lied to her.
She wasn't even worth the knowledge of his true identity. That's how little he thought of her.
Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes.
And this woman. How dare she burst her bubble?!
Although, if she hadn't bought it up, would he have ever told her?
"No." her mind answered.
Which led to another disturbing question, "What else has he lied about?"
And was she nothing but a toy for him…?
A plaything to occupy his time and cast aside when he was no longer interested?!
Aria sobbed on the hard ground, gripping at the dusty gravel while her tears fell.
BY GOD… How could she have been so stupid?!
Akane Fuma watched as the commoner girl wept on the floor as Uchiha leader approached her. Clearly, he had lied to female companion and she wasn't taking it very well.
But really, did she live under a rock?!
How could she NOT know who Madara Uchiha was?
She looked down on the meager woman. Dressed in a simple dress and standard walking sandals, the girl was hardly worth the attentions of a prestigious shinobi general. Although she was an exquisite little creature – far from the traditional stereotype of beauty. Akane could understand why the Uchiha was interested in her.
And yes, and while her shinobi skills were barely that of a chunin – it didn't take long for her to figure out what the girl meant to him.
It was evident in the way he looked at her, the way he touched her and the way he spoke to her.
Then, an alarming thought struck her:
Was she to be the future Uchiha empress?
Madara walked over carefully to trembling female and crouched down. "Aria…," He began, "I can explain..."
She refused to look at him. "No! I don't want to hear any more lies from you!"
She was angry and he couldn't blame her. Undeterred, he tried again, "Aria… It was never my intention to conceal my identity from you… but given the circumstances, it was necessary. You may not believe it, but it was the only way to protect you."
The girl scoffed.
"This is not how I wanted you to find out who I really am..." He placed a hand on her shoulder and she tensed under his touch. "But I can't change who or what I am. Nor should you expect me to. But, I must confess selfishness on my part…"
That got her attention and she turned to look at him, her eyes red and puffy.
He gave her the barest inclination of a smile. "For the first time in my life, I found someone who kept my company without expecting anything in return. I was born into a world of constant scrutiny, where people were allies only when it served them. You… were a welcome change from the norm I was accustomed to... I suppose I wanted to remain in your realm for as long as possible."
He stood up. "I know that I have betrayed your trust and put your life in danger. If you so wish, I will not trouble you any further. However, it is my desire to redeem myself in your eyes and earn your trust once more if you will allow it."
Aria didn't respond, frigid. Her coldness and silence had stirred a foreign sense of hurt and pain within him and for once in his life, he felt uneasy.
Seeing that Aria wasn't going to move anytime soon, he began walking away from her. "Fine. However, I must speak with the Fuma leader and accompanying me is the safest option for now. After, I will find a place for you and see to it that you are catered to for the rest of your days."
Aria looked up at him as he walked away from her. "Wait…," she said feebly. 'That's not what I want…'
Daichi Fuma was a calculating man who desired power and money above all else.
In his mind, everything in his disposal could be used and manipulated to get what he wanted. In other words; the end justified the means to obtain it. Therefore, when Madara Uchiha informed him that he had taken his youngest daughter hostage and expected a hefty ransom to set her free, he laughed in the young warrior's face.
And if Madara was shocked at the Fuma clan leader's response, (which he was), he didn't show it as he politely declined the goblet of wine and refreshments offered to him.
So he tried again. "Daichi-san. I must stress the fact that I have your daughter as my captive."
The Fuma Lord waived him off non-nonchalantly. "Yes, yes. But what will I receive for taking her back? If she is foolish enough to get herself into this mess, then she surely can get herself out...?"
Madara frowned, "Do you not wish to see her unharmed? I'm giving you the opportunity to have your child returned to you safely."
"And what good will that do for me?" Retorted the old man. "I have five daughters and no sons. If I lose one, I will still have four daughters and no sons!" He replied callously. "You see, times are tough boy and sacrifices must be made."
"You are an interesting man. I can't say I've ever met anyone who didn't care for the lives of their children."
"Well then, if you are concerned for her that deeply, then why don't you take her for your wife?" He replied with a knowing glint in his eyes, "Surely, that would solve both of our problems wouldn't it?"
Madara flinched inwardly. "I'm afraid I can't. My hands are full at the moment and I have many goals to accomplish before I settle down." He said evasively.
But the Fuma lord was unconvinced. "Then take her as your mistress, or whore! – I don't care as long as I have one less blasted daughter to take care of!"
Madara rose from his seat, anger growing by the minute.
Collaboration with this man was pointless. If he didn't care about his own daughter, he probably cared even less for his allies. Since he had taken Ayame-what's-her-face prisoner, his intention was to ransom her off at the highest price to her father expecting the money to cover for the shinobi expenses. Unfortunately, it didn't quite go as he had planned.
And since she did not posses have her father's love or favor; Madara had no use for her.
"My stance on the matter has not changed, nor will it. I will return your daughter to you in exchange for allowing me to stay in Fuma for two days undisturbed while I conduct my business... Consider it as a sign of goodwill and hospitality from one clan leader to another."
Aria and Akane sat in the waiting hall, a healthy distance away from the other.
Aria could feel the other woman bearing down at her with an intensely critical gaze and could'nt help the envy that rose within her. This woman was fortunate enough to be raised in such a grand palace could have all that she desired and more... Draped in an elegant kimono of the finest material of sparkling teal, Akane looked regal in her appearance. Dark lashes framed dark eyes, pale skin, long black hair, thin painted lips and an aristocratic face and a slim body. She wondered if Haru – sorry, Madara – would find her beautiful.
"Who are you to him?" Akane asked abruptly.
Aria refused to indulge the snobby noblewoman and settled for fiddling with her dress.
"Are you his lover?"
Aria looked to the floor and didn't answer, avoiding the pretty woman's gaze. To be honest, she wanted the answer to that question herself. She couldn't understand the hate directed at her. She had done nothing to this woman who seemed to hate her with every fiber of her body.
If anything, Aria should have the right to be angry – after all, she did try to kill her! But she decided to keep her mouth shut and continued to ignore her. She may have been lowborn commoner, but she owed nothing to this spoiled siren. Instead, she focused on what she was going to say to Madara when he finished his audience with the Fuma lord.
"He's way out of your league little girl. I'm surprised your don't even know who he really is." She teased, knowing that it would strike a nerve. "One would think he didn't trust you enough to tell you…"
Aria didn't answer but the words seemed to have hit a soft spot.
Akane smiled. "Allow me to educate you. He is the Madara, fourth son of Tajima; of the house, Uchiha. They are a shinobi clan old as time itself. Their history and abilities are unrivaled and they are arguably one of the most powerful clans in shinobi lands next to the Senju, Sarutobi and Uzumaki. He's accomplished in years what takes lifetimes to achieve, a true protégé. Which begs the question, what is he doing with a servant girl like you?"
"He's the one that sought my company… so why don't ask him?" She countered softly.
Akane turned up her nose. "Hmph. Either way, it doesn't matter – my father is inside with him, probably drawing up a marriage contract as we speak. I will forgive him for his association to you but I never want to see you again, understand?"
"I don't think so. If he really wanted to marry you, he's certainly had plenty opportunities and time to do so." Aria scoffed. "Why do you want him so much anyway?"
"Foolish girl! Hold your tongue before I have it cut off!" Akane spat, insulted. "Why wouldn't I want him? His wealth, honour and prestige in the shinobi realm are unprecedented and he has the capability to give me everything I could ever desire! Also, the Fuma and Uchiha clans will be joined in a matrimonial alliance until the end of his reign… a beneficial outcome for both our families."
"So you don't love him?"
"What does love have to do with anything?" Akane sneered. "Then again, I suppose commoners like you wouldn't understand."
"Akane-san. You are possibly the most beautiful woman I have ever seen –" Akane smirked at this, "but you are as deep as a puddle. This way of thinking will never bring you happiness, love or success and if being a noble meant that I had to be like you, then being a commoner is a thousand times better –"
Just then, Madara strode into the meeting hall, clearly displeased. "We're leaving. Now." He said tersely, stopping in front of Aria.
Akane rushed to him. "What did my father say?" She asked sweetly.
Madara turned towards her. "Go find yourself a kind man and marry him. I have no need for you and apparently, neither does your father."
"Then allow me come with you!"
"No," he said, grabbing Aria's hand and pulling her towards the exit. "I have a clan to think of."
Fuming, Akane watched as Madara put his arm on the small of Aria's back, and stormed out of the Fuma hall.
"Just you wait, Madara Uchiha. I'm not through with you yet…!"
Madara steered Aria out of the Fuma palace, wanting to get as far from the place as possible. It was only a matter of time before the guards were sent out since old man Daichi hardly ever kept his promises, especially if they had no benefit to him. Sensing his agitation, Aria wisely choose to keep quiet. He hadn't removed his hand from her waist since they left the palace and it's not that she didn't like it – because she did – but she was still mad at him for lying to her and she wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily.
When they arrived at Aria's apartment, he grabbed the largest bag he could find and started stuffing her things in it haphazardly.
"What do you think you're doing?!" she asked, outraged.
"We need to get out of here," he responded, picking up a random object and assessing whether it should be packed into the already bulging bag, "It wont be long until he sends his hounds after us and we need to be long gone before then."
"So, I'm just supposed to leave my life and go with you?!"
"If you want to live, yes. Now stop being difficult and help me pack."
"Difficult?!" she fumed, "You're the one that lied to me and now, you're expecting me to go with you at the drop of a hat?! I'm happy where I am, thank you very much, and I'm not going anywhere!"
Madara paused. Arguing with her was futile - and it would take time that they didn't have.
He made a few quick hand signs and the rest of her belongings vanished with a 'poof' before turning to her.
Steel gazed, he picked her up by her waist with one hand (bag in the other), hurled her over his shoulder and walked out the front door, ignoring her screams and protests. She could kick and scream all she wanted; she would tire out eventually. He wasn't going to leave her here under any circumstances, and even if he told her what happened with the Fuma lord, she wouldn't understand anyway.
Akane Fuma knew she had little time before Madara Uchiha left Fuma for good. One of her father's councilmen informed her of what happened with the Uchiha leader.
Wiping a tear from her eye, she knocked loudly on a creaky wooden door at the end of a deserted and gloomy alleyway.
"Yes…?" A raspy voice answered from within, "Who goes there?"
Akane straightened up, "It is I, Akane Fuma, youngest daughter of the Fuma Lord. I have come to ask for a favour."
The door opened with a clink, revealing a dimly lit room stocked to the ceiling with strange vials and urns. A variety of objectionable smells and burning incense filled her nostrils as she walked inside.
"How may be of service my lady?"
Akane took a seat on a cushion and eyed the speaker; an old man with long, oily grey hair and disturbing yellow eyes. "I need two spells; one to get rid of a certain 'problem' and the other one to enchant. Permanently."
The old man glanced at her, eyes unfathomable as he registered what she was asking from him.
"Ah, but that is heavy magic my dear…" he drawled, tracing a long, yellowed fingernail down the side of her pale cheek. "No doubt, it can be done... but are you willing to pay the ultimate price?"
A/N:
Hey everyone!
Hope you liked that installment! A bit longer than the others and hopefully worth reading...
Akane is desperate and Madara is taking off with Aria…
I wonder what will happen next?
Please message and review! =D