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The seasons changed as fall appeared just as the leaves swayed in the frigid wind in the Land of Fire. It has been almost a year since I have encountered Izuna or Madara. I'm finally seventeen years old looking rather different since I've been here. I will be turning eighteen in the upcoming few months. I knew that Madara was probably trying to avoid me. Izuna probably thinks I am some demented lunatic from the incident a while back. And he certainly doesn't talk to me much.

I don't blame him. He wouldn't really talk to me after that incident, also I haven't seen him around much. But his older brother Madara still is troublesome being around with. After many other altercations, I started to avoid him like I was shutting out others as well. I would occasionally see them wander by in the hallways and that's about it. Also, Madara has been organizing his room quite frequently for some reason. Ugh, it's so loud hearing the floor scrape with furniture constantly.

I don't think this is the place for me being here in the Uchiha Stronghold. I feel like I am slowly killing myself from my sorrows. The maids are always being pushy trying to serve the Uchiha heirs while snarling at me for some reason. What the hell did I do?

I left my room slowly pacing around the halls quietly not waking anyone up; due to the fact it is seven in the morning.

I came across Uchiha-sama's quarters when I suddenly heard Madara's name. They were talking in an important matter more firm and sternly. But why be up at this hour?

"So I have to become the clan leader once you decide to step down?" I heard Madara's voice turn very sternly. I was astounded that Uchiha-sama and Madara would be discussing this now.

"You're constantly sleeping around while you need to prepare for the upcoming battles. Get a hold of yourself, boy. The elders have strongly acceded for you to be the next leader. The Uchiha's need someone more strategic and someone who is flourishing. Izuna isn't appropriate for the position and you already know that. You are the sole Uchiha prodigy of the clan here." Uchiha-sama has spoken strictly as I backed away from the door quietly.

I was hearing so much bullsh*t at once. I was laughing internally. It never strikes me how Madara sleeps too much. I thought he is usually awake around six in the morning. But isn't sleep good for the body? I guess moving dressers and your bed constantly does deprive you from getting sleep.

I can't risk being caught; they'll have me dead for listening in on their conversation. I slowly walked backwards around to find the library, but I am also hoping Minori would somewhat be there.

I pondered in the library and I nearly facepalmed. What a tremendous mess! Minori was passed out sleeping on the couch with mounds of scrolls surrounding him.

I growled underneath my breath rolling my crimson eyes at him. Instead of thinking of ways to wake him I wandered into the history section. I skimmed through the large shelves hoping to find a history book of this clan.

I found something similar as I was looking for; more about the Uchiha's background on politics and such. Without thinking, I grasp the scroll and went over to a nearby table and settled down into the little wooden chair.

I couldn't tell if I am nervous to know about these murderous Uchiha's. I cautiously opened the scroll.

But a hand grasped my wrist from me doing so. I gasped and shot my head to see Minori sensei looking down upon me with indignation showing in his emerald green eyes.

"You shouldn't be here," he said bitterly as I mentally shook my head. "Um, sensei, isn't the library opened for everyone?" I frantically asked as panic arose in me.

"No actually, Uchiha-sama specifically said to not relinquish the library for anyone of the lower classes due to the fact there are plenty of confidential scrolls in here. So basically, we can't just let anyone in here of their own free will. But I am not so sure if you're an exception considering you have no rank in this clan..." He knitted his eyebrows together as a smile founds its way dancing on my lips.

"Ah, well I come here occasionally so I don't know much you see." I chuckled standing up from my spot. "Aquila you've been here for over a year. I don't see how you didn't know that only certain people have access to this library." He frowned pessimistically knowing that I shouldn't take things out of hand here. Maybe I wasn't actually allowed to be here. But knowing Minori, he wouldn't hand me over and rat me out.

"Well I'm sorry, I must have not known." I parted my lips solemnly taking my leave without another word.

"I felt someone's presence not so long ago." My father seethed through his teeth.

"Maybe it was nothing; probably some maid perhaps." My father sighed as I nodded sternly not seeing a point in this at all. What is my father even getting across here?

"Well, we're off topic. Anyways, Madara do you get the point in this? The elders of this clan even want you to marry off to a dignified woman who is within the clan to be the mistress also, but once you become the clan leader that is." He spoke fixing his composure as he sat on his grey furniture. I am twenty years of age while having this conversation now. I practically scoffed at this thinking how no woman really interests me within this clan. Most of which, usually want me to bed them and want to move up their ranks.

I nearly gagged when he said 'marry off to a dignified woman' as a matter of fact. No one who's a woman within the clan can call themselves dignified. They're more like prideful up-struck women.

Yeah as if I would.

"Marry off?" I tilted my head to the side quirking an eyebrow in confusion. "Ah yes, it isn't your choice apparently. Just once you turn twenty one you will take my place as the clan leader. But also it is your choice on who you marry, but they have to be from this clan obviously. The elders decided out of let's say about ten young women between the ages of sixteen to twenty all beautiful flowers who volunteered, and you get to pick one of them as the clan's mistress." He explained and my heart clenched at this.

At least my father isn't making some dumb alliance to another clan leader for me to marry to. I would be appalled more or so refusing to marry.

I gritted my teeth not saying anything.

"Ramiko seems nice, her father did come to me asking either you or Izuna for her to wed. I didn't give a particular answer because Izuna is certainly around her age. However, you are to pick a female from this clan by the elders of the council, we need heirs to continue the bloodline and the clan's position in this war." He grinned as I felt my heart shatter even more at this. Is he even kidding?! What the hell does he think I am? Something to just toy around? He knows I killed my friend for the Mangekyō Sharingan and the same for Izuna a year back.

So Ramiko as well? She is not only quite annoying and pesters me and Izuna around, but she is also friends with that redhead. Wait, Aquila, I think. I haven't even seen her in a while. How the hell isn't she on the list? So after all this insulting and hatred towards me for no reasons she just gets her way? She isn't easily influenced or else I would have enjoyed her company at night. Hmph, she is certainly strange to say.

I guess I have no say in this matter for now otherwise, I wouldn't be discussing on who I marry if I ever thought of marriage. Women in this clan are despicable housewives. My jaw clenched as I didn't say any more.

"So why don't I have a choice? Why do I have to marry now?" I tried to show no expression as I soon started to grind my teeth together as infuriated I felt; anger was close to bursting out as I had to conceal that from happening

"You think I had a choice to marry your mother? The Uchiha's have to fulfil their obligation for the further future that is to come. It's important for the clan's mistress to bare an heir or successor. I think you understand now, right?" He retorted crossing his arms as he ripped his gaze off of me.

I felt my face flush red like the fusing colour of madness. Now we are talking about heirs. Why does it have to be like this? I held my arms behind my back and swiftly headed for the door.

"I rather not have this conversation now." I felt like storming out of my father's quarters which I did. I couldn't help but feel my blood boil at the mentioning of my mother. She died when I was six years old making a promise to me and my four brothers.

"P-Promise me M-Madara you'll not forget me. I love you and your brothers deeply. Please protect them all. I wish I could thank you for your kindness throughout the years I've taken care of you." His mother laid on the bed dying from the blood loss of giving to Izuna. He was too shocked to say a word at all.

He swallowed thickly nodding as he hugged her one last time shedding a few tears.

He broke her promises. He doesn't remember her face. Madara couldn't protect his siblings and felt that she is frowning upon him at this moment.

"Nii-san!" Izuna called from behind me. I stopped and jerked my head towards him and glared at him with animosity as my glare soften just when I remembered he had nothing to do with my outburst or our mother's death per-say.

"Izuna why are you up this early?" I snarled narrowing my eyes as he looked down despondently. I sighed knowing I shouldn't have taken out my anger on him.

I swiftly moved on my feet and reluctantly walk up to him. But as I placed a hand on his shoulder someone's presence was cleared and their chakra signature was close.

Aquila..

Her footsteps were very faint and barely audible. "Huh?" Izuna snapped his head up and noticed my sudden change of emotions.

She turned around the corner and nearly gasped causing both our attention. "What are you two doing?" Her voice was calm and gentle. I mentally shook my head with all the thoughts of her. She looks quite different than normal. Bits of her crimson scarlet hair cascaded over her shoulder. The kimono she had on was a dark burgundy red with gold outlining on the rims of it. Her long brown sleeves travelled down her arms and wore raven black gloves covering the tips of her fingers of her delicate hands.

I curse myself for saying this, but she looks ravishing than before I first met her and known. I straightened my composure as she briskly moved towards us.

"I haven't seen you in a while. I didn't expect to see you two argue in the hallways of the manor." She amused quietly as I blinked rapidly and shook my head.

"Aquila-chan you look rather... uh, how do I say this? Very different." Izuna marvelled and placed his index finger under his chin observing her. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"Good of course!" Izuna chimed as she nodded and turned to me. "I think Ramiko was looking for you." She smirked as I clenched my fists and frowned grumbling some things.

"What would she want with me?" I asked as Aquila shrugged and crossed her arms over her chest. "Oh, I want to speak to you later Madara-kun." She chimed as she left us in a blink.

I rather not look for Ramiko, she is more annoying than Aquila per-say. I guess I could tolerate Aquila and her annoying rants and such. But Ramiko is a blabbermouth. She never shuts up!

"So are you going to find Ramiko or..." Izuna started but trailed off as I rolled my eyes sarcastically.

"I am going to train. I don't want anyone to pester me around." I grumbled and stormed away towards the direction of the training areas.

I wandered off into the Uchiha garden. No one ever goes here on occasional days or not at all. A lot of the flowers are already dead since the change of seasons already occurred.

Leaves sprawled out in the open as the naked trees danced. I sat on the closest bench, mind filled with thoughts. I can't exactly comprehend what Madara was grumbling when I mentioned Ramiko.

He didn't seem too happy or overjoyed after that.

He seemed a bit different when I saw him. He had much long raven black hair that spiked down his back. He had a high collar navy blue yukata and a brown obi as the Uchiha fan was on his back pridefully. He had dark pants with bandages around his right leg

He seemed a bit more stressed and tired. I think his father might be training him on how to be a proper leader.

"Aquila-chan!" I whipped my head back to see Izuna sprinting towards me. He panted as he stood in front of me. I gave him an astonished look as he stood tall. "I need to talk to you, something Madara told me," Izuna spoke as I sighed.

"Okay?" I arched a brow at him. He took me by the arm and dragged me towards the green forest of the Land of Fire. I haven't been in here for a while.

He sighed deeply, "sorry I couldn't risk anyone hearing us. The reason why I needed you was to tell you something." His gaze landed to the floor bitterly.

"Madara wanted me to tell you that there was a survivor from your clan and was brought in for interrogation by my father's orders," Izuna muttered but I heard every word.

Someone from my clan is here? "Why are you telling me this?" I muttered fumbling with the outskirts of my kimono. "Well, the shinobi of this clan brought in I assume is name Hiroko and he demands to speak to you." Izuna huffed not really caring.

Hiroko? As in one of my childhood friends? I haven't spoken to him in years since he and his father left the compound before the attack. But there is something wrong? How would he get caught and end up here all of a sudden?

"Oh, Hiroko..." I muttered which caught Izuna's attention. "So you do know him. Well, my father wants to see you now about this matter." Izuna calmly said as I nodded leaving back to the stronghold.

I gradually walked inside the manor. I looked around to see guards moving at a fast pace around this time of day. So word has already spread around this quickly?

"Aquila!" Uchiha-sama's voice glowered behind me just when I trembled slightly at his tone. "I see you already got the message. Come, the captive wants to speak to you." Uchiha-sama yanked tenaciously on my arm for me to trail behind him.

Once we stopped at a greatly large steel door. We strolled inside as Uchiha-sama graciously let go of my arm. I felt a bruise form at the spot he gripped on which hurt a lot.

"Aquila!" Hiroko looked at me with such sorrow in his eyes. I looked down not wanting to see him like this. Chains were bounded to his wrists that connected to the wall behind him.

"You wanted to see me," I whispered giving full eye contact this time. He didn't even change one bit.

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