Hey everyone!
New chappie up!
Wow, I can't believe it's been over a month – yikes. Anyway, my apologies – but better late than never right? Thanks to all my wonderful readers, followers and reviewers – Needless to say, I adore you all!
A huge shout out to: rakat14, iJoeyMonster, , crazyuser, Kairi-tenshii-x, Fushia Flame, JigokuShoujosRevenge, Azela the Writer, 10ShizukaYuukiMistress10, tinasan25, Dear U. x .U, OperaGhost11235, a fan, charliepan, Guest, xGuiltyXGigglesx03, xLilim, TM-IDC. Cakes and cookies all around! =D
This is one arch of the story – seeing it's absolutely impossible for me to convey what I need in one chapter.
As always, please review and message! I love hearing what you think!
Madara grit his teeth as he leaped from branch to branch with Aria nestled in his arms and Mitsuki soaring above them.
Leaving Mino had been relatively easy but the hardest part was yet to come.
They were well into the depths of the surrounding Mino Woods, and soon they would be approaching the Senju lands.
Through Mitsuki's eyes, Madara was treated to a birds-eye view of the landscape ahead of them as her eyes mirrored his sharingan.
The Senju compound was hidden away in the middle of a dense, silent, hauntingly dark forest. The gradual change in plantation was becoming evident as dusty grounds became green, and muddy pathways became littered with moss and fallen leaves. The trees were two to three stories tall, incredibly wide and varied greatly in terms of species. Their branches fanned out like an umbrella, almost completely obscuring the ground form the sunlight, cloaking the pathways below in perpetual darkness. The ferns, vines and shrubbery thrived on forest floor; existing harmoniously.
At times like these, he really hated Hashirama's bothersome wood jutsus. Not only were the trees abnormally large and irritating, they also possessed ninjutsu and genjutsu of their own; moving and twisting as they pleased to form or block pathways.
Up above them, Mitsuki screeched, signalling their entry into the Senju forest.
Madara activated his mangekyou sharingan. As soon as they stepped the invisible boundary, the forest would be alerted to the presence of outsiders and come to life – triggering an involuntary defense mechanism that could trap an unwary shinobi for a lifetime. It would send him around in circles until he died of starvation or lost control of his mental faculties. And since the Fuma shinobi following them would surely get lost or die here, he didn't bother finishing them off in Mino.
Aria tried her best not move as Madara carried her.
He moved so fast that the wind thundered in her ears as the cold wind tore at her mercilessly, inflicting her with a terrible earache and dizziness. The trees whizzed past her in a flurry of brown and green, and her eyes stung as they traveled against the direction of the wind. Although Madara had picked out her warmest clothes, they were doing nothing to protect her from the altitude and cold climate. So, she held on to him tighter, nestling her face in the crook of his neck, concentrating on nothing but the faint warmth of his body.
The sun had risen some time ago, indicating they had been traveling for some time.
The shinobi guards in Mino were no match for Madara's extraordinary skills – a few quick hand movements was enough to disarm them, disable them and make them to drop to the ground like flies. Aria hated violence but watching him in combat had somehow set off these... unexpected sparks within her; making her blush like wildfire.
She couldn't stop herself sneaking peaks at him as he carried her.
By god, he was magnificent... and utterly breathtaking.
Aria couldn't at the aristocratic contours of his face and chiseled form as he carried her through the forest. Handsome was not enough to describe him. He was more like a work of art, she amended to herself - a sculpture made of the finest ivory or marble. His skin was flawless and his body was muscular and lean.
He was like a well-designed engine - modified and calibrated for maximum performance.
How on earth was she supposed to look at another man now?
All of them would fail miserably in comparison to the gold standard that Madara personified.
"We're in the Senju forest now." He said, snapping her out her daydream. "We'll reach the compound before sundown."
"Oh really?" She replied halfheartedly, "that's great…"
'Oh, why did this have to end?' she thought miserably, secretly hoping they never reached the compound so she could stay in his arms forever…
Madara raised an eyebrow.
"W-what I meant was that I really tell the difference! haha," She added nervously, hoping he missed the tone in her voice. "Everything looks the same and I'm pretty sure we've passed that tree like a hundred times. And why are you whispering? There's no one here except us."
"Keep your voice down," he hissed at her, "Otherwise you'll wake them up."
Aria looked at him like he was some kind of mad man.
"Who?!" she asked, louder than the first time.
Madara mentally face-palmed himself. "The forest, Aria, the forest!"
"Oooh..." She tilted her head to the side in confusion. "I don't get it."
"Well.., If I were to ask you that should a tree fall in a forest, and no one was around to hear it, would it make a sound?"
Eh?
A riddle?
"Hm.. The answer is yes and no. Certainly, the sound is generated but it is of little importance if it goes unheard…" She looked contemplative. "Is that why I couldn't hear my echo just then?"
"Clever girl – you figured that out quicker than most." He remarked, pleased. "The Senju forest is enchanted. The trees have eyes, ears and powers of their own. It keeps intruders out just as well as it keeps them in. In fact, if I were to place a mark on a tree, I would find myself passing it again and again."
Aria shifted uncomfortably at the thought. "Okay, this place officially scares me – I can't tell whether we're going forwards, sideways or in circles. I can't see the ground or the sunlight, and I haven't heard a single bird chirping or scurrying of a rodent. If I screamed at the top of my lungs, would anyone even hear me?"
"Precisely. The shinobi following us are most likely trapped in this wood as we speak – traveling in as you said, circles."
Aria felt a spike in her blood pressure, and her breath quickened in fear. "Then how can you tell where we're going?! We could be lost too for goodness sake!"
"Relax woman – my eyes can see what yours cannot."
"Oh! You see a road then? What a relief!"
"...Not quite. There is no 'road' to the Senju. You just have to keep going north until you get there."
Aria's felt her faith shrivel up and disintegrate.
"Great!" She announced dramatically, "We're officially going to die."
He laughed again. This girl was too much.
"You're cute."
He saw them, the two people his mistress was after – Madara Uchiha and his presumed lover.
Disguised as a snake, he waited in the bushes until they left the inn, observing them with utmost interest.
Mistress Akane explained that Madara Uchiha was the end goal, and she instructed him to do take any measure to acquire him.
But getting to him would prove to be a problematic task indeed… he was formidable man; world weary and difficult to fool.
And he disliked his mistress greatly…
First he would need to dissolve the love he had for this girl, Aria, and drive a wedge between them in order to separate them by an means necessary. Next, he would need to simultaneously dispose of the girl and re-direct his lingering affections to Akane and this required a lot of skill, delicacy and urgency. Then, he would need another spell to 'trick' him into believing that Akane was his only means of salvation wherein she would need to feed him the spell on three separate occasions.
Love spells were extremely tricky and fickle; broken with ease.
But then again, he was no ordinary sorcerer.
Carefully, he transformed into his human form and searched the room until he found what he was looking for – a single strand of hair from the Uchiha clan leader. Satisfied, he pulled out a scroll written inscribed with the most powerful enchantment charm known to man in the blood of a newborn. He placed the man's long, dark hair in the middle on top of his mother's name, Hinako Uchiha.
Then, he began to chant.
Slowly, the parchment fizzed and cackled before him.
The old man grinned.
The offering had been accepted.
Hashirama's face lit up as he felt a characteristic presence within the compound.
He was here… At last.
"Still playing with your 'flowers' I see," Madara commented coolly, climbing down from the rooftop. "Don't you have other important matters to attend to?" His rival was particularly sensitive about his favorite hobby.
"Madara… My old friend!" beamed Hashirama, putting down his tools and getting up. "Your timing is off as usual, but then again, I suppose you do have a special talent for it… And for the millionth time, bonsai are 'miniature trees' not flowers you ignorant ape!" he said, waving his finger pointedly at the Uchiha. "Don't knock it till you've tried it!"
"I'd rather pour acid in my eyes than take part in your ridiculous womanly hobby." The Uchiha retorted, crossing his arms above his chest. "By the way, aren't you supposed to be running your clan? Or does Tobirama have to do that for you too?"
"Tsk tsk tsk, we haven't seen each other in three years and this is how you greet me?" He replied, feigning hurt. "I'm deeply offended."
"Good – that was the intention."
The Senju laughed heartily. "What can I do for you my old friend?"
"I need a place to lay low for a few days. Then, I'll be on my way and you can go back to your 'gardening'."
The Senju leader sensed his friend's chakra within the forest as soon as he arrived, but what he didn't expect was the female standing next to him.
"Ah, so the rumours are true then… I didn't pin you as the type, Madara." He teased.
The Uchiha didn't flinch. "Hn. Believe what you want, however foolish it may be."
He glanced in Aria's direction. "My name is Hashirama Senju. I'm the leader of this clan and Senju lands. What's yours?"
She bowed politely. "My name is Aria. Thank you for you for having us, Hashirama-sama." Aria blushed as Hashirama took her hand and kissed it. Madara, on the other hand, felt his blood boil at Hashirama's forwardness.
Hashirama had a thing for pretty damsels and Aria fit this category perfectly. His rival never passed up an opportunity to be a gentleman and unfortunately, women loved him for it.
"My pleasure, Ari-chan. Although, why you choose to spend time in his man's horrid company escapes my understanding."
"A lot of things escape your understanding Hashirama." Madara interjected sharply, pulling Aria away from the sly weasel (rather harshly).
Aria suppressed a giggle. Madara's friend was such a charming man, and funny too! Somehow, she had been expecting a stern, foreboding man with a 10-metre pole shoved up his backside…
That's not to say Madara…
Oh, who was she kidding – yes he did.
"Thank you Hashirama-sama, But unfortunately, I have no one to go back to… and Madara-sama has been kind to me."
The wood jutsu expert burst out in laughter. "Kind?!" he spluttered, turning to Madara. "What kind of genjutsu have you put her in?! Hahahahahaha"
Aria giggled again, even though she didn't quite know what a genjutsu was.
Madara rolled his eyes, and resisted the urge to deck his so-called friend in front of Aria.
Normally he wouldn't mind his friends bantering, but today he was being blatantly irritating. They had traveled a long way, and though he would never admit it, Aria was heavier than he expected. He also needed to discuss some matters with the Senju head.
"Hashirama. Aria is tired – Perhaps you can have someone show her to the guest chambers?"
"Oh, of course!" Recoiled Hashirama. "My apologies, Ari-chan, I'll have someone escort you at once."
A wave of hand later, a servant led Aria away.
"She's very pretty." He commented lightly once she was outside of earshot.
"Yes, she is." He replied tersely.
"Hm... So, who is she to you?"
"A friend." He replied defensively. "Not that it is of any concern you..."
His eyes were filled with worry. "I see... but she's not a shinobi Madara...," He said carefully, "They will never accept her…"
Izuna made a beeline for Mino, the last place his brother had been seen.
Disguised as a regular shinobi, he began to ask around for information, but to his frustration - no one would speak up, probably too afraid of what might happen to them.
But really, what on earth was his brother thinking?
Behaving in such a disgraceful manner?!
Tensions ran high at the Uchiha compound as rumours escalated about the Uchiha leader's skirt-chasing activities in Fuma.
Thankfully, Madara's reputation for being a level-headed and focused leader meant that most shinobi didn't believe the tasteless (but very entertaining) piece of gossip.
The Uchiha council Howeverwere not amused in the slightest (nor was Izuna), and they were outraged by the ridiculous and foolish attempt to tarnish a good man's name and honor. As such, they wanted the imposter found as soon as possible, and tried under the harshest circumstances for the impersonation and defamation of an elite shinobi general.
Izuna bit his tongue throughout the whole ordeal, knowing there could be some truth to the rumor based on the letters he found in his brother's room.
Therefore, he urgently needed to speak with his brother and do some serious damage control.
He turned the corner where he saw a small group of men drinking and smoking at the local pub. Desperate for leads, he listened in on their conversations.
"Heard he asked for the Fuma leader's daughter's hand in marriage but she refused him!" One sneered, "Can you believe it – The Uchiha leader denied by a woman?"
The group sniggered rowdily.
"She must be a real siren then." another laughed, "Wouldn't mind having a go at her myself!"
"You drunken fools!" spoke someone else. "That's not at all how it went. The Fuma have been feeding you lies."
The others turned to him. "Eh?"
"Turns out he's the one that refused her –" The men gasped in disbelief. "And then left with another woman. A commoner!"
The men roared with laughter.
"My mistake men," corrected the man from earlier, "She's the one to be bedded! Hope she'll charge me less than Madara! hahahahaaha"
Another bout of laughter followed, accompanied by clinking of glasses.
Izuna felt his blood boil at the slander of his beloved brother but remained calm. He needed to find out what these men knew, for they were the only ones openly speaking about the recent events. For now, he would need to gain their trust, blend in and figure out what they knew.
"Hn. Daichi Fuma is lying, cheating bastard – I wouldn't believe a word that comes out of his foul mouth," He said in an accent and coarse language he would never use, as he strode into the bar. "That man should thank the heavens for saving him from that disaster – Heard the bitch is crazier than her old man. Question is, if this bullshit is all true, then where's he now?"
The men turned to face the stranger, with shocked faces. "No one knows for sure… but you should be careful of the way you speak… especially about a shinobi leader..."
But their eyes told a different story.
Izuna decided to milk it for what it was worth.
"I've lost my only brother because that son of a bitch." He bit out (which, wasn't necessarily untrue), "I have the right to call him whatever I want."
Grumbling was heard all around, but he could tell most of them were impressed. It would appear that the Fuma lord wasn't popular anywhere.
No doubt, these men would've been affected by him too.
"You don't have to convince us man." Replied the third man, passing him a drink, "But he's got guards and spies in Mino too - they'll kill you. These men have lost their loved ones – and if you're not careful, so will you."
"I'm not scared." Izuna smirked. "But they should be."
"What do you mean?"
"A merchants work is always interesting. See, I've just returned from the Uchiha lands – and let's just say they're out for blood."
Hashirama and Madara spent some time catching up before he was shown to his room which was down the hall from Aria's.
The Senju leader had requested both their presences for special banquet to be held later that evening but didn't elaborate on the matter. Madara agreed with a halfhearted grunt, too tired to think any more of it. He bathed, ate bit of the food left on the table and then collapsed onto the bed.
Night had fallen by the time the time he had awoken.
A sharp knock on the door pulled him out from his slumber.
He got out and opened the door to find an Senju servant holding out an elegant kimono for him. "Madara-sama. Hashirama-sama has sent for you and Aria-san to join him in the main hall for the arrival ceremony. Please, do make haste."
"Hn." He said, taking the clothing as the servant scampered off.
Arrival ceremony?
Aria too, had taken bath, eaten (much more than Madara) and gone to bed.
She had been too tired to admire earthly beauty of the Senju compound as she arrived to her room, since her limbs ached terribly and her head felt dizzy after all that traveling. She would just have to go exploring tomorrow morning once she was well rested.
So engrossed was she in her sleep, that when she heard a series of hurried knocks on the door, she jumped out of her skin and fell unceremoniously on the floor.
"What's going on?" she wondered groggily, rubbing the side that came into contact with the hard wooden floor.
An elderly maid burst in and looked confusedly at Aria; disheveled in a pool of blankets on the floor. "My lady!" She exclaimed. "Everyone has already gathered in the main hall, I was called to send for you, but goodness me! You're not even ready!"
Aria's eyebrows furrowed. "Ready for what?"
"The arrival ceremony of course!"
Aria was confused now more then ever but didn't protest as the old woman pulled her of the floor and into a chair in front of the vanity, grumbling constantly.
Comments like 'young girls these days,' 'irresponsible,' and 'no sense of time' were uttered.
Aria bit her lip and remained quiet as the maid hurriedly combed her hair, styling it into a quick, but extremely elegant bun. Then, she started to apply the make up, rubbing a cream onto her face before dusting it with cosmetic powder using a soft brush. Next, she lined her eyes with kohl and darkened her lashes. And finally, after contemplating between two shades of rouge, the maid applied the soft evening-rose instead of the cherry-red that Aria wanted.
Next came the kimono. So wonderfully elegant and graceful; Akane's voice rang in her ears and as Aria tried to politely decline to wear it for fear that she might ruin it. But the maid was avid and relentless. In a few short minutes, she managed to drape the kimono flawlessly and adorn her with exquisite matching jewellery. Then, she paused to inspect her work.
A huge sly, smile erupted on the old woman's face. "My, what a sight you are! No doubt, you'll have a line of suitors waiting to marry you by the end of tonight!" She teased. "Just remember not to break too many hearts, will you?"
Aria turned red, stumped by her words. "Thank you… you are too kind, but I'm… incredibly ordinary. I'm not worthy such praise."
The maid seemed perplexed. "And why not?! You are more beautiful than most of the women I've ever had to dress and prepare. I may be old, but I'm not blind yet! My carrot stew sees to that!"
Madara paused at Aria's door.
Was she ready?
His stomach turned into knots as he imagined what she would look like in fine robes. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding and knocked firmly on the door.
An old woman opened it. Upon seeing her, Madara's eyes widened and bowed politely. "Megumi-san... It's been too long."
The old woman smiled. "Why..., yes it has Madara-kun..." She said, looking him up and down. "It felt like only yesterday you and Hashirama-kun were genin. Now, you have both grown into handsome, accomplished young men."
"All thanks to people like you, Megumi-san." He replied honestly. "A lifetime of servitude will not be enough to repay the debt we owe you."
The old woman laughed. "Oh, what nonsense you speak child! I believe the honor and pride lies with us, the nurses, who were so fortunate to rear great men such yourself. Tell me, how is my friend Naina?"
"Naina is well. She spends most of her time in the infirmary now that Izuna and I are no longer children."
"Well, I hope you visit her more often than Hashirama visits me!" She joked fondly. "And... oh, I'm sure she'll be pleased to meet her." She winked.
Madara coughed, embarrassed. Megumi-san was known for sharp tongue and a reputation for being too open and forward. "Ahem, Is she ready?"
"Yes, I believe so. And dare I say it, you've landed yourself quite a nice catch." She remarked. "I hope you have what it takes to keep her."
Just as he was about to reply, Aria appeared at the doorway.
Madara felt his world stand still.
Decked in a gown of deep emerald, stood the most beautiful woman he ever laid eyes on.
He opened his mouth to say something, but the words crumbled to dust in his mouth.
Hashirama's nursemaid looked between them both, and decided to rescue the young man. "Well, I must be going. Madara, it was lovely to see you and I do hope you both will stay for the festivities. Have a pleasant evening dears."
Aria recovered first, and bowed politely. "Thank you very much for all your help. I am sorry to have troubled you so."
"It was no trouble at all, my dear." Her eyes twinkled. "Surely, an artist enjoys painting on such a wonderful canvas."
Tobirama led the procession through the corridor and into the main hall.
There, he could see his brother dressed in his finest robes, fidgeting constantly.
After tonight, their fates would be sealed.
His brother looked so nervous… and frightened.
A small, sad smile crept onto Tobirama's face as he looked upon the man he called brother as he shot him a wink and a smirk.
'Don't worry Bro. We got this.'
The elder returned it with shaky smile and a nod.
Counting the steps he took, he took the time to revel in their childhood memories and treasured the small time they had left before everything changed forever. His brother may be more of an idealist than a realist, but he worked hard for his people and even harder for the ones he loved. His passion, devotion and love made him an inspiration and a role model. And he was a damn good brother.
Wherever life took him, Tobirama vowed to be right beside him and be everything that Hashirama had been for him – a beloved sibling, teacher, adviser, loyal comrade and closest friend. Soon, he would have the chance to be so much more.
He paused at the steps at the entrance and held out his arm.
A small, delicately gloved hand received it.
The crowd murmured excitedly in hushed tones, for she had finally arrived.
Mito Uzumaki.
Heiress and future of the Senju clan.
Author's note:
Phew! What a long chapter - I hope you enjoyed the chapter! This chapter was so hard to write! Argh! Many of you bright light bulbs must have already figured out whats happening, but for those that don't, fear not! All will be revealed in the next chappie. Tee Hee.
I've deliberately put off three assignments to write this installment, lol. Care to reward me with a review? =D Well, I hope enjoyed it - Please message and review! xoxoxoxoxox
P.S - I apologize for the sporadic updates, but uni has kept me busy.
I assure you I haven't given up on this story or 'Sanctuary'. Hope that is of some conciliation. =)
~wicked ashes