IZUNA

14

Madara ran through the compound.

"Madara-sama!" Someone called.

No, no, no!

"Madara-sama..."

His heart sank.

"Where is she?" He demanded.

"With your father." Misako Uchiha said with pitying eyes. "Izuna-hime is gone."

What?!

He staggered back as if physically struck.

Izuna was... gone?

No.

He ran.

None stopped him.

No...

It couldn't be true.

No!

It just couldn't be!

He ran into his home, through the halls and burst into Izuna's room.

Tajima sat on the ground, cradling Izuna in his arms.

He looked wrecked.

Madara had never seen his father like this before.

He could feel himself trembling as his eyes fell onto Izuna's face.

She was beautiful.

It looked like she was sleeping.

Tajima said nothing.

"Tell me it isn't true!" Madara demanded. "Tell me Izuna is alive!"

Tajima glanced up at him.

His eyes were dead.

"Sometime last night..." Tajima whispered. "Your sister breathed her last and like a flame that flickered out too soon... she died..."

Madara collapsed onto his knees.

Pinks petals fell to the ground.

"She's gone."

Gone.

Dead.

Madara screamed and pulled at his hair.

"No!" He sobbed. "No!"

His eyes burned with tears.

"I—Izuna!" He cried and reached a trembling hand to her face. "Iz—Izu—Izuna!"

She did not move.

Tajima gently placed Izuna into Madara's arms and stood.

"Funeral... preparations..." he whispered. "They must... be made..."

Madara trembled and clutched Izuna tightly.

"No..." he whispered. "No... father—father don't—-don't—-please..."

Madara grabbed Tajima's sleeve.

"Pl—please don't take her from me."

Tajima exhaled and gently removed Madara's arm before walking away.

"No, n-no, no!"

Madara screamed and pulled her into his chest. Gently, he pulled his fingers through her hair and tucked a strand behind her ear.

"I—won't—I won't let them touch you..." he promised her. "They won't—-they're not going to lay a finger on you!"

Tears of blood fell onto Izuna's face.