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moorSummary:
The Wild. Long ago, the power that ruled the earth and everything on it created order and meaning, cycles to preserve balance and harmony. The checks and balances put in place ensured that power would never be used beyond equivalent advantage. Over time, the Wild produced Sources, entities through which the Wild could be channelled in times of need. During a battle to defend their Kingdom, the leader of the Uchiha summoned the Wild. In doing so, another channelled and became bound by the Wild to balance his power. This is their story.
Content Warning: Allusions to A/B/O
Part One - The Senju and the Uchiha
Part Two - The Battle [first battle] | Part Three - The Battle [continued]
Part Four - The Secret [first secret] | Part Five - The Secret [continued] | Part Six - The Secret [continued] | Part Seven - The Secret [continued]
Part Eight - The Underground | Part Nine - The Underground [continued] | Part Ten - The Underground [continued]
The Underground [continued]:
Sakura and Kakashi walked for several hours that night, as the rage fuelled Sakura’s energy. They didn’t speak, didn’t need to. They walked everywhere, all over the Senju territory, as Sakura burned like a bonfire inside.
They collected supper near building 2. The leaf-wrapped rice cakes with their mixture of nuts, meats and vegetables inside were still steaming, though the tables near the stand were all full. Kakashi glanced down at Sakura and Yu, concern worrying his visible eye.
“Shall we stop in to eat?” he asked, tilting his head towards the building with Sakura’s medicine lab in it.
Slowing her pace, Sakura looked over at the nondescript building, then down at Yu, who’d been awake for a little bit and wiggling in his sling.
“Mmm,” she murmured tiredly, her fire diminishing to coals.
As they ate in the ‘staff’ room of building 2, Sakura poked at her food. Her thoughts kept running back to Itachi’s frantic apology and his role in the Uchiha. Why would he have asked the others to leave, to speak with her privately if it wasn’t about That Night, she wondered. Had she destroyed the potential reconciliatory bridge between the Senju and Uchiha with her rash actions? What would Tsunade think?
Her shoulders slumping, Sakura leaned down further, pushing away her food. What if Tsunade was disappointed in her, and kicked her out of the Senju underground? She would be unable to take care of Yu.
“Fuck,” muttered Sakura, rubbing her face with her hands. A stress headache formed behind her eyes.
“Anytime,” offered Kakashi from beside her.
Shocked, Sakura’s head snapped up to look at Kakashi, her mouth agape.
Kakashi grinned at her as he scraped a banana down with a spoon, offering a bite to Yu who jiggled excitedly in his lap, his mouth wide open and straining toward the banana.
“You’re fine,” reassured Kakashi, still feeding Yu. “Itachi fucked up, not you.”
“It doesn’t feel that way,” said Sakura, raking a hand through her hair. Her head wrap slipped and fell off, and for once, she let it. She pulled it the rest of the way out and tossed it to the side, letting her hair down. She raked her hands through it again, now that it was more satisfying. “When he said that, I just saw red, and…”
“You wanted to hold him down and make him bleed?” offered Kakashi jovially.
“Make him thrash with his head underwater until he stopped, yeah,” admitted Sakura, slumping forward. “I just don’t know what’s going to come of it.”
“Ah,” said Kakashi, balancing Yu with another bite of banana. “Overall, not much. Tsunade may call you in to ask what happened, but with both Naruto and Jiraiya present, probably not. They’ll fill her in on everything.” He chuckled. “I’d be more concerned for Itachi’s wellbeing. His mother will not take this well,” he said, wiping the mess from Yu’s cheeks. “Few say no to Itachi. That you told him no and threw him out?” he chuckled again, shaking his head.
Sakura’s lips twitched.
“Really?” she asked.
Kakashi nodded, grinning at her. “He’s in trouble with the most terrifying woman on earth. Congratulations.”
Pressing her lips together, Sakura tried not to laugh.
—For about a second.
After a few minutes of giggling, Sakura wiped at her eyes and smiled back up at Kakashi.
“Thank you.”
“Anytime,” he repeated. He nudged her food towards her. “You should eat more.”
“Hm,” said Sakura, pulling the food closer again. She nibbled at it, her appetite slow to respond after such strong emotions.
“Also,” said Kakashi, clearing his throat awkwardly. “Uh, there’s a bit of work to do. From Tsunade…”
Mouth full, Sakura stopped chewing and narrowed her eyes at Kakashi.
“... I have a list,” he said, cautiously holding up a piece of paper.
Sakura’s shoulders fell.
“Fuck me,” muttered Sakura under her breath as she accepted the paper to look it over. Hadn’t her day been long enough?
Then Sakura realized what she’d said. She lifted a finger at Kakashi as she felt his chest puffing up against her arm and the playful offer coming. “No.”
Beside her, Kakashi withered. “Mah...”
Sakura just managed to turn her head in time to hide her grin from him. She finished her supper a few minutes later and arranged her work bench.
The list was straightforward and familiar, and a part of Sakura was wistful as she pulled out her mortar and pestle and collected the herbs she would need for the first medicine. She didn’t need to review their recipes; she remembered this list from the last time she had prepared them. It had only been a few months previous.
“Still denying yourself, huh?” murmured Sakura sadly as she reread the list. The individual who needed doses this large and strong must be suffering terribly. Then again, who was she to judge, she thought, recognizing her own hypocrisy.
Sleeping herbs, relaxation herbs, rut inhibitor, mental clarity tonic and dream preventive…
***
In front of their mother in her favourite spot in the night garden, Sasuke wisely kept his mouth shut as his brother recounted the unfortunate failure of their joint mission. Itachi was calm and direct, never prevaricating. He did not mince words when it came to reporting to their mother. Sasuke admired his brother in that moment, as he relayed without flinching or lowering his head, just how badly he had damaged relations with the Senju and directly offended their top poisoner, on behalf of the Uchiha.
When Itachi finished, Mikoto was silent for a long, tense moment.
Then she looked at her sons, rubbing at her temples and closed her eyes.
“She not only said no,” repeated Mikoto softly. “But she also threw you out? You, Itachi? Sasuke is still learning, so mistakes will be made, but I thought, with you there…”
She sighed, and was silent for a long, long time. Her sons dared not make a whisper of sound, nor move from their bowed positions before her.
“Well,” she said, after a long, intense period of consideration. She lifted her head and looked at her sons one at a time. “There’s only one thing left to do.”
With that, Mikoto straightened and called out into the mansion, “Fugaku, darling? We’re going for a walk.”
Her husband’s distant, muffled reply was affirmative, satisfying the matriarch of the Uchiha.
She turned back to her sons as she stood, her eyes sharp and displeased. “Go to the vault and wait for me there.”
“Yes, mother,” said Itachi and Sasuke in unison.
They waited all night, and all the next day.
Sasuke slept the following night, but Itachi remained alert and aware, standing patiently, waiting for their mother’s return.
When finally she joined them, Itachi and Sasuke were weak with hunger and exhausted from their isolation in the cold, underground stronghold.
“Open the vault,” ordered Mikoto.
She was flanked by several of their cousins, including Shisui and Obito. While neither of them spoke to Itachi or Sasuke, they did position themselves beside them, and subtly supported them while the others took turns filling bags with money.
“Itachi, Sasuke,” said Mikoto. “Fill two bags each.”
With a nod, the boys did as they were told and soon the party made their way upstairs again.
“Go change,” said Mikoto to her sons. “Quickly.”
The order was obeyed and completed in record time, and soon the party set out again. They travelled to different areas of Konoha, and Mikoto directed Itachi to deliver a bag of money to each of four houses.
That first chore completed, they met up with Fugaku, and continued on across Konoha. They travelled into Senju territory, and soon, into the heart of the Senju Underground, a beautifully landscaped portion of the capital, vibrant and cheery. Her head held high, Mikoto, with Fugaku at her side, led her procession up to the front step of a more sedate, but no less impressive, estate.
To Mikoto’s surprise—not that she showed it—Hashirama Senju opened the door, smiling at her warmly.
“Good morning, Mikoto, Fugaku,” he said, opening the door wide to Mikoto and her family. “Tea is poured, she’s in the formal sitting room.”
With a nod to Hashirama, Mikoto, and all her boys, strode into her enemy’s home.
“Tsunade, thank you for making time for us,” greeted Mikoto, taking a seat adjacent to Tsunade in the airy, comfortable room. As Hashirama had mentioned, tea steamed in a pot on the table, along with three cups. Hashirama did not join them. Fugaku sat at Mikoto’s right elbow, ever the dutiful husband.
Behind Mikoto, her entourage lined up silently against the wall.
Saying nothing yet, Tsunade’s glittering topaz eyes held Mikoto’s sharply, her breathing long and controlled. She leaned forward and poured tea for her guests, lifting her cup to her lips, her blood red nails perfectly manicured. She was at ease in her well-appointed home, surrounded by silent guards, and absolutely furious.
“Please, drink,” said Tsunade finally. “I’ve been expecting you.”
For the first time since hearing about the utter failure of her son’s mission, Mikoto swallowed. She wet her lips and lifted her cup, her husband following her lead.
“Thank you for having us,” said Mikoto, taking a sip. It tasted wonderful, not a hint bitter, and Mikoto sent a silent prayer of gratitude that Tsunade had not poisoned them at first sight.
“Brave of you to come,” said Tsunade evenly. “What can you do for me today?”
Irked at the insult, but determined to settle their debt that day, Mikoto smiled thinly at Tsunade. She motioned Itachi and Sasuke forward.
“I came to make amends for the egregious insult we cast upon a member of your Clan. It was a miscommunication that, had we been more sensitive, would never have occurred. It was a clear oversight on our part, and we seek forgiveness for the trouble we caused,” said Mikoto formally, as Itachi and Sasuke sank to their knees and bowed to Tsunade. “You have an incredibly intelligent, strong protégé, and we look forward to working together in the future. Please accept a small token of apology on behalf of the Uchiha.”
Then began the silent, formal train of each of the Uchiha stepping forward, bowing, and setting the bags of money in a neat pile to the side of Tsunade’s feet. One after another they came, without a word, until only Itachi and Sasuke’s bags remained.
“My sons, too, seek to apologize, of course,” said Mikoto, gesturing to her sons to stand and approach Tsunade.
“Do they?” mused Tsunade aloud, her topaz eyes piercing Itachi. “I heard it was one who trod more roughly than the other.”
Ever calm, Mikoto nodded. “Itachi?”
“I misspoke, not understanding the way the situation and words would offend. I accept ownership of the resolution of this hurtful situation,” said Itachi, bowing his head.
“How it would offend Sakura,” clarified Tsunade.
“How it would offend Sakura,” repeated Itachi. “I am sincerely sorry.”
“And the other idiot,” said Tsunade, not taking her eyes from Itachi.
“I am very sorry I upset and insulted Sakura,” said Sasuke.
Tsunade’s smile was grim.
“I appreciate you coming today,” said Tsunade after another sip of tea. She set her cup down and turned back to Mikoto. “I understand you have a poisoning problem.”
Her lips pressed together at the way Tsunade implied the Senju themselves did not have a poisoning problem—as they had the skills to counteract the effects of poison—Mikoto nodded.
“It has been unfortunate,” allowed Mikoto.
At the admission, Tsunade nodded and finally sat back, relaxing in her chair. She lifted a hand and one of her guards entered, pouring alcohol into her cup. At a look from Tsunade, the servant offered to Mikoto and Fugaku, too, and the latter accepted.
Letting out a breath that she could finally enjoy her booze now that penitence had been offered and reparations begun, Tsunade said,
“I’m listening.”
The negotiations began.
***
Fridays were Sakura’s shopping day: the market for food, the herbalist for supplies, the glass blowers for equipment, and many others were part of her Friday routine. Kakashi was called away that day, so Naruto accompanied her on her shopping trip, carrying her bags as Yu napped in the sling.
“You haven’t heard anything back from Tsunade?” asked Naruto as Sakura picked through various graduated cylinders and cups.
Sakura shook her head. She was focused on the glassware, checking for nicks and cracks that may leave them vulnerable to shattering.
“No. I’m not going to worry about it. I know she and Mikoto will work something out,” said Sakura. “I’ve had my hands full, anyway. As long as I don’t have to deal with the Uchihas, I’m fine with what she decides.”
Beside her, Naruto frowned, though his eyes were wider than usual. His lips pressed together so tightly they made a thin white line.
“What?” asked Sakura, catching the odd look on his face. Her hand hovered over another piece of glass. “What does that mean?”
“Nothing!” said Naruto, trying to lift his hands, but they were weighed down by the shopping bags. “That glass just looked really weird.”
Something in his expression had Sakura on edge, though. And then he averted his eyes, avoiding her.
“You know something I don’t,” she realized aloud.
“I don’t know anything,” assured Naruto, shaking his head.
“Hm,” murmured Sakura, her brows drawing together doubtfully. Uneasiness settled in her guts, turning them watery. “Let’s head home,” she said, anxiety mounting.
“We don’t need to, you can keep shopping,” insisted Naruto, stepping in front of her. “Didn’t you need more, uh, stuff?”
“Now I know something’s up,” said Sakura. Taking all her purchases to the clerk, she ignored Naruto’s cajoling and paid for what she’d already chosen. She would get the rest later.
“We could get lunch on the way home,” suggested Naruto, stepping in front of Sakura again.
“What is happening at my house, Naruto?” demanded Sakura, hurrying down the street. They weren’t far from her home, only a quarter hour or so, but it seemed interminably long that day.
“Nothing!”
Sakura shook her head, her arm around Yu to keep him from being jostled too forcefully as she picked up her pace.
“There’s no need to rush,” tried Naruto, but Sakura ignored him.
Her home had been her safe place for months. No clients, no Uchihas, no disasters, just her own little place for her family, and her…
Kakashi’s and Naruto’s faces flashed in her mind.
… friends? Protectors?
Sakura’s mouth was dry as she turned the final corner and saw her home, doors open, a group of Senju carefully wrapping, packing and loading her meager belongings into a wagon.
“Stop,” ordered Sakura, eyes narrowed. “This is my home. You’re stealing!”
“Shit,” called Naruto, panting as he caught up with her. He keeled forward, his hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath. “You weren’t supposed to see this.”
“I wasn’t supposed to see what!?” demanded Sakura, spinning on her heel and pinning Naruto with her emerald eyes. She looked over her shoulder and saw the movers had restarted once they saw Naruto arrive. “What is going on!”
Naruto opened his mouth to answer, but another voice interrupted.
“Sakura,” called Tsunade.
Turning, Sakura saw her mentor approaching her from her front door where she had been supervising the movers.
“You’re moving,” said Tsunade as she reached Sakura. “To a better area.”
“I like it here,” argued Sakura. “This is our home. This is close to my work. It’s close to the market and shops and—”
“You’re moving because your role is changing,” said Tsunade firmly. She looked down at Sakura’s pink cheeks, and Yu’s scrunching face. Her demeanour softened. “It’s for the better, for both of you. I promise.”
“Then why wasn’t I consulted?” demanded Sakura.
Tsunade’s gaze took in Sakura and Yu patiently.
“Because it’s a very big change and it must be done quickly,” said Tsunade vaguely. She let out a soft sigh, focusing on Yu. “For everyone’s sake.”
At that moment, another wagon pulled up. The doors opened. This one was fancier than the movers’ wagon, with curtained windows and cushions on the seats inside. Kakashi poked his head out. His unhappy scowl lifted when he saw Sakura and Yu and his tense shoulders relaxed. He lifted a hand to scratch at the back of his head and then sighed, his arm dropping.
“At least we’re staying together,” he said, stepping down. “Even if there will be more of us.”
Sakura’s eyes widened, and she turned back to Tsunade, then to Naruto.
“What’s going on?”
“Get in,” said Tsunade, indicating the new wagon. “I’ll explain on the way. And I am reminding you now, this is a promotion and an improvement in security.”
Sakura’s stomach lurched. This did not sound promising.
***
Sakura knew Tsunade had positioned the move as a promotion, but all Sakura felt was betrayal from her mentor as the wagon pulled up in front of her new residence. They were deep in Uchiha territory. In fact, going by how tightly lined Kakashi’s visible eye was on a particular building down the road, Sakura had a feeling they were in the heart of the Uchiha Underground’s family campus.
"When you met with Itachi, you were correct that things needed to change,” said Tsunade. “It is unacceptable that we still don't know the identities of the parties involved from the coup over a year later. That is technically the Crown’s responsibility, but they focused on rebuilding and securing the safety of the citizens over pursuing their investigation, for better or worse.”
They stepped down from the wagon and walked up to the immodest mansion, Tsunade in the lead. The door opened before she needed to knock, a dark-haired man bowing to her before opening the door wider, inviting them in.
“The Senju will be expanding their poison control services to the community health clinics in Senju territory,” said Tsunade as they passed through the main hall. They walked slowly, and Sakura, Kakashi and Naruto explored each room they passed. “This will reduce the load on any one clinic and hopefully provide care for those who may otherwise be reluctant to admit that they were involved in wrongdoing. They will also service the Senju Underground.”
Sakura nodded as the tour continued through the beautiful home. Her own belongings would look rather shabby inside it, she realized, compared to hardwood furniture and hand-carved wall panels. The mansion was gorgeous. Unease as she recognized that, from a wealth perspective, she didn’t measure up or belong in such an ornate residence ate at the periphery of Sakura’s confidence like a vole.
“This way,” said Tsunade, leading them upstairs.
Sakura followed
“However, the Uchiha Underground do not have the skills required to serve their more… specialized members, should they be poisoned. They could go to a community health clinic, but as the Uchiha are also tied to the castle and Royal Family, it would cast a certain unfavourable light upon their Clan as a whole,” explained Tsunade.
The sinking feeling in Sakura did not bode well.
From beside her, warm and steady, Kakashi reached out to Sakura, squeezing her shoulder as Tsunade continued on.
“As such, as my protégé, you are being temporarily assigned to the Uchiha Underground to support their needs, as an act of goodwill between the Underground Clans,” said Tsunade. They paused in front of a large, beautifully decorated bedroom. It was palatial, something Sakura could only ever have imagined. In any other circumstance she would have been thrilled, but understanding that this beautiful home was about to become her well-appointed prison made her stomach roil.
“You will exclusively service the Uchiha as a medic and will collaborate with their leaders to study the new poison and how we will collectively defend against it. Ultimately, our goal is to find out who is doing it, but we need to stem the flow of victims before our organizations become impaired,” said Tsunade, her words tight. “We need the Uchiha’s cooperation to win this,” she said, looking at Sakura’s crestfallen expression.
“I’m being sold,” said Sakura.
Kakashi’s hand on her shoulder squeezed in solidarity.
“Kakashi and Naruto both volunteered to remain with you,” said Tsunade. “If there is anyone else you’d like, you can request and I will do my best to accommodate it, within reason.”
There was nothing Sakura could think of to say. Words had abandoned her.
The stronghold of the Uchiha Underground sat just outside the castle, in one of the richest, most expensive areas of Konoha. She would be surrounded by her enemy, and at the heels of her son’s father, if he ever stepped outside his castle walls.
As the silence continued, Tsunade directed the group to a bedroom door just beside Sakura’s. She opened it and stepped inside, the clacking of her heels suddenly silenced by thick, plush carpet.
“This is the nursery,” said Tsunade.
It was the most beautiful room Sakura had ever seen. There were toys on every shelf, a closet full of fresh-scented linens, a hand-carved crib beneath a wide window, complete with a padded window seat.
“The Uchiha have also graciously provided a nanny and tutors for Yu,” said Tsunade, watching Sakura. “And a housekeeping team, to prepare your meals and handle the chores.”
Sakura shook her head, angry tears burning her eyes.
Tsunade frowned, but sighed with sympathy.
“This is necessary, Sakura, to reflect your station.”
“I don’t want this,” said Sakura fiercely, lashing out. “I want my little house with Kakashi and Naruto.”
“This house is a helluva lot easier to protect than your previous one,” said Tsunade. “And if you’re going to bring Naruto and Kakashi into this, I’m sure they would appreciate having their own rooms, individually, instead of sleeping on the second hand futon in your old living room.”
“We just want you to be safe,” said Kakashi gently, looking down at Sakura. “The Uchiha know how important you are. It’s not that we can’t keep you safe. But having an extra set of eyes means that we reduce our blind spots.”
“You do a great job. I always feel safe with you,” said Sakura, looking up at Kakashi.
The look in Kakashi’s eyes shifted between warmth and something else, and Sakura closed her mouth, afraid to say more. He wasn’t her mate. He couldn’t be her mate. But he protected her like a mate, and her omega instincts deeply appreciated the sacrifices he made for her.
“This isn’t all the Uchiha are offering,” said Tsunade, breaking the silence that stretched uncomfortably.
“What else is there,” sighed Sakura, turning away from Kakashi and back to her mentor.
“They’re funding a clinic for you, privately, and hiring medics for you to train,” said Tsunade. “Something I believe you and Itachi were originally negotiating. You will also receive two personal assistants, who will be dedicated to you.”
Sakura snorted under her breath. “Negotiating before he… yes,” said Sakura, taking a deep breath and letting it and her negative memories flow out of her. Then, considering the latter portion of Tsunade’s announcement, Sakura looked up at Tsunade with narrow, suspicious eyes. “Two assistants?”
“Uchihas. They will take on the roles that Kakashi and Naruto do for you, to provide them some relief and learn how to better support you,” said Tsunade. “But only two. The rest will be staff, but those two will remain closer to you. They are to become confidants, as if they were Senju.”
Sakura clenched her jaw, but then looked at Kakashi and Naruto shamefully. She genuinely hadn’t thought about them needing time off. She considered them family.
“I’m sorry I hadn’t considered your needs,” said Sakura, looking at them. Her heart hurt at how inconsiderate she was, the pain spreading through her like its own particular venom. She pressed her lips together tightly, looking away from them. She hadn’t considered her impact on their lives at all. In the sling around her, Yu began to fuss, sensing her emotional turmoil.
“Sakura,” began Kakashi, his visible eye creased with worry. “It’s not—”
He reached for her again, but Sakura shook her head.
“I’ll go take care of Yu,” she said, clearing her throat. “Naruto, can you give me Yu’s bag, please? Thank you.”
With that, Sakura hurried back down the hall to the nursery and locked herself inside.
***
In the castle, his duties complete for the day, Madara found himself drawn to the windows looking out over his Clan’s portion of the capital. It had been some time since he had made his rounds to visit. With everything that had happened over the past year, he had focused on his people as a whole, and not his immediate family.
Did they think he had abandoned them? Pushed them aside?
He couldn’t remember the last time they invited him to a private family function. Certainly, many of his generation had grown and matured, as had their children, but when had they last included him in their affairs?
It didn’t help that he had been irritable and frustrated all afternoon, to the point where his advisors had cancelled the rest of his meetings, postponing them until the next week and wishing him a good weekend.
“They think you’re too busy,” explained Izuna as they walked through the castle later. Both wore their practice bogu, their helmets tucked under their arms as they made their way to the gardens to spar. Izuna had suggested it to help them loosen up. “They don’t want to disturb you. They would only push at you for favours and more tax breaks,” added Izuna as they stepped outside.
“Hn,” said Madara, nodding morosely.
Then, as he inhaled the fresh outdoor air, a thrill shot through him.
There was a very special scent in the air, one he hadn’t smelled since the last bundle of herbs were delivered, earlier that week.
It was her.
Madara spun around, searching high and low all over the garden. She was close.
Like an avalanche, all the emotions and feelings Madara had repressed over the last months came roaring down the mountain of his self control to bury him in loneliness, longing and need. Not sexual need; the need for emotional contact, love and support, the need to spend his love on someone, the need to care for his family.
“Where are you,” whispered Madara, feverish, beginning to tear through the garden. “Where are you…”
Izuna watched him, growing concerned as his brother became more desperate, jogging, then running around the walled-in space.
“Where are you, where are you, where are you—”
“Madara?” Izuna asked, looking around and seeing no one.
He had asked the servants to stand back that evening so they wouldn’t be harmed by the spar if it got out of hand. They were testing the ‘recycled’ swords, and if they snapped, they risked impaling anyone close by. But now Izuna was glad he had asked them to fall back as he didn’t want them seeing his brother scouring the garden for ghosts.
“She’s close by,” said Madara, glaring at the wall.
To Izuna’s shock, Madara looked behind him, then backed up.
He was going to run and jump up the wall.
His eyes bulging, Izuna scrambled to grab his brother. Had Madara completely forgotten the traps along the ramparts?
“You are not jumping over the castle walls,” said Izuna, holding him back.
“She’s out there. She’s close by,” argued Madara, still reaching for the wall.
“We came out here to spar. Are you hallucinating?” asked Izuna.
“I’m not,” snapped Madara gruffly. He stopped fighting Izuna and began to tear off his bogu. “Come on, we need to find her.”
“Wha—Madara, I think… I think you’re…”
“I’m not crazy,” said Madara tightly, tearing off another piece of armour with his teeth. “Help me get this off. She’s upset, Izuna, we must find her.”
It wasn’t until the words were out of his mouth that Madara realized the truth of them. He may be able to smell her now, but somehow, he felt her distress resonate through him. He’d felt it all day but hadn’t understood it until he put it together with her scent. The irritation that had plagued him from early that afternoon had only gotten worse, which was why Izuna had suggested they spar to get it out of his system.
But now he understood that no amount of sparring would help.
Taking deep breaths, Madara glared at the walls of his castle in pure hatred.
Were it not for those walls, he would have been able to look for her himself.
Instead, she struggled without him, her mate, to comfort and soothe her.
His jaw clenched.
However, he knew someone who could reach her.
“Where is Mikoto,” demanded Madara.
Speechless, Izuna just stared at his brother’s rapidly shifting moods.
With a noise of frustration in his throat, Madara abandoned his bogu in the garden and strode purposefully back inside, heading to his rooms to change.
“Find Mikoto,” called Madara to Izuna, then louder, so all could hear him. “Find Mikoto!”
With that command, a hundred pairs of feet spread out through the castle in search of the king’s half-sister.
By the time Madara secured his robe around him and straightened his collar, Misao was waiting outside his door with an answer.
Thanking him, Madara headed to the armoury to collect something before taking an escort and tracking down his half-sister.
TBC
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Date: 2022-02-15 10:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-12-21 08:00 pm (UTC)