The Uchiha Incident: Chapter 1

Take Me Away

Her lungs burnt as she ran through the familiar yet alien forest of her home. She could barely see through the darkness as she stumbled through the dense underbrush yet she could not afford to stop for a single moment. Even as her clothes were torn to shred by the thorny brambles, or how as her skin were cut open, leaving a bloody trail behind her, she would not stop; Not when it meant that he could catch up to her.

She could feel her heart race and her muscle ache, begging for a rest, but not yet; Not when he's still there. There at the edge of her vision, he could see him and those haunting red eyes as they gave chase. She cried, tears running down her face, yet there will be no respite.

The world lurched as she felt her foot caught on an exposed root and the ground raced up to meet her. Crashing hard against the cold unforgiving ground, she tried to get up only to stumble as searing pain shot up her now broken ankle. Feeling her heart against the back of her throat, she gazed back and saw him; the creature of her every waking moment.

He stood there unmoving, his cold red eyes gazing down on her unfeeling, as the symbol of the cloud was embossed upon his forehead protector. Like a monster from her deepest nightmares, he strode forward, his hands clutching a blade dripping with blood.

She felt her heart seize as she froze, unable to speak or even breath at the looming figure before her. Staring back into those cold, lifeless eyes, she felt nothing but dread as he approached her ever so calmly. Forcing herself to move, she crawled away, throwing a Kunai at the monster before her, "No! No! Go Away!" She screamed as the blade slammed into his chest.

To her horror however, it would do nothing. No blood dripped down that hole nor did he make any sound as he kept walking, closing the distance. Panic filled his veins as he shouted, "You can't take me back! I'll never go back!" All of it would fall in deaf ears as he looked at her, judging for the crimes she committed.

"I didn't betray the clan. I just don't want to die!" She yelled at him hysterically, trying to put some distance between them until he felt the hard surface of a wooden pillar behind her. There were no more places to hide or run.

"I'll do anything," She told the man as she cowered, bawling as the raven's cries all but drowned her thoughts. Their dark form, gathering round as the man stood over her, uncaring of her pleas. "Please, just let me go!" She begged, but all she'd feel were his cold hands pulling her up.

"No, t-this can't be happening!" She struggled hard, trying to rip her hands away, but his grip felt like iron shackles on her wrist. Bound to the post and surrounded on all sides, her time was running out. As the man raised his blade and the crow's cawing reached a crescendo, she felt the certainty of the end looming before her once more. "Oh god, please, someone save me!"

There were no more roads to run, no more lies to speak, there was nothing for this was the end of the line. As the world shrunk down to the end of a point, she looked deep into those eyes and saw the sorrow underneath it all. "I'm sorry," He whispered before the blade plunged deep into her heart.

She screamed as she bolted out of her bed, her hands clutching at the long stilettos she kept beside her. Breathing heavily and with sweat dripping down her brow, she looked around the strange yet familiar room and found herself alone. There was no one here but her, her shadow and herself.

For a moment, she stood there, ready to lash out a moment, but as the crowing of roosters echoed out in the darkness outside, she slowly came back to her senses. As the fog of sleep lifted, she found herself not in the forest, but in a fully furnished room; Her bag laying atop a chair as the clock ticked down to the morning hours.

Slowly, she closed her eyes before breathing in deep, taking in the cool mountain breeze as it blew in her open window. "It's just a dream," She whispered as she clutched her weapon close, holding onto it for comfort as she slowly slid down, "Just another stupid nightmare Taku," She told herself as she slid down and sank onto the all too soft surface of her mattress.

She laid there, unmoving, feeling her racing heart slowly calm down, yet her eyes refused to stay shut despite how heavy they were. She could still feel her blood thrumming in her veins and how her eyes jumped at every shadow. There will be no more rest for her tonight. Letting out a heavy sigh, she turned to the clock by her nightstand. It was still far too early for her to wake up, yet far too late for her to stay up.

"Might as well start the day early," She whispered as she forced herself up and rubbed the sleep off her eyes. She slid her feet off the edge of the bed, letting them dangle as she slowly woke herself up, before jumping down on the hard wooden floor of her apartment. Ignoring the cold, she made her way to the small kitchenette to her apartment to prepare breakfast.

Firing up the stove, she filled her kettle with water to heat up before she dragged her chair over to the cabinet. Standing on her toes, she stared at the fully stocked cabinet before she shook her head and reached inside. Rifling through the canned goods provided for her by her gratuitous host before she found what she was after; some tea and cupped ramen.

While the meal was getting prepared, she made her way to the bathroom to freshen up. Turning up the heat till it felt almost scalding. Closing her eyes, she lost herself in the shower, feeling the warmth return to her body. For a moment, she felt no worries weighing down on her shoulder, but she knew it was a temporary reprieve. Hearing the kettle whistle outside, she hurried along.

Drying herself up, she wrapped a towel over her body before she dragged herself back to the kitchen and turned off the stove so she could get breakfast ready. Pouring hot water on the cup, she whispered, "Still feels like a dream even when I'm already here in Kumogakure," She was no longer confined in those four walls she knew all her short life, now, she was in a far off land, making a fresh start.

Gazing outside, she found not the forest that she had surrounded the compound of her childhood home, but the towering peaks of mountains as they reached up to the mountains. Gone were familiar streets as she found buildings and walkways carved into the very rocks themselves. "I'm as far away from Konoha as I'd ever be," She told herself, yet it felt like it wasn't enough, that one day he'll come knocking.

Setting the kettle aside, carried off her meal to her table before dragging her seat back to the table. Pulling herself up to the all too big seat, she sat down before resting her head on the oversized table and just waited. "No more negative thoughts, Taku. You're safe…" She whispered as she tried to reassure herself despite how hollow as her voice sounded.

Was she really safe? Were the mountains tall enough to hide her from the dangers below? Was she even safe from the very people that she followed willingly? "Maybe you are… but it's far better than there, yeah?" She chuckled as a wry smile stretched across her lips. At least here, she controlled her fate. At least now, what happened was on her, not on forces beyond her control. She was now free…

It wouldn't take long before her meal was finished cooking up and she found herself staring at the dark broth before her; Breakfast was served. Digging into the salty meal, she forced the noodles down her throat. Powering through her body's protest, she filled her stomach with its warmth.

She didn't want to eat, barely even having the appetite to look at her meal, but she went into motion regardless. If not to satisfy her, at least it would serve to fuel her for the rest of the day. Digging into her meal and washing it down with tea, she ate in silence, forcing herself to finish it. She'd need all the energy she can for the day ahead.

As she finished, she tossed her trash away and cleaned her cup, she made her way back to her bag. She hadn't packed much in her haste, barely anything but the clothes on her back and what little she could carry. If wanted to live comfortably, she had to stock up.

Reaching in deep, trying to find some socks, she found herself pulling out a picture she didn't know she packed up with her. It was a photo of her and her uncle, her scowling face beside his cheery smile while her aunt stood there, looking exasperated.

She remembered it like it was yesterday, her uncle having dragged both her and her aunt to take a photo. She wasn't prepared for it, as she was still wearing her pajamas, but her uncle assured her it was fine. She wasn't sure if it was her uncle being too excited for the photo or the man just playing a practical joke, but the memory brought a smile to her lips.

She felt a tear fall down her eyes as she laid the photo down beside her nightstand. "I'm sorry Uncle," She apologized, rubbing the wetness clouding her eyes, "Maybe in another life, I could have made you proud," She whispered, lingering for a moment, before walking away. "But not there, never inside Konoha's walls. Not when he's still around."

Frowning at the thought of the man that would one day kill them all, she grimaced. It wasn't just him, but the demon hiding behind the Kage and so many people. It was a mess, a shity mess that she was glad to be away from.

Still, she felt her heart growing heavy knowing who she left behind. The friends she once had, and the family that took her in. "I hope you're still ok," She whispered as she grabbed her things and walked out the door. As much as she wanted to stay in bed, she still had some things to do.

"A new life, yet the same old responsibilities," She chuckled as she pulled out the ID that was hastily made for her; One that registered her not for Konoha, but to her new home, to Kumo. "Back to school already, huh?" She told herself as she stared up at the sky, remembering how she got into this mess.

-x-x-x-

Ushered inside the office of the Raikage, Taku found herself staring up at the giant of the man before her. Sitting on a chair that looked like they were a bit too small for his frame, the man that ruled Kumo stared back, eyes judging as he tapped his fingers on the table.

Taku felt small, tiny even, as she sat there on her plush seat. It was the same type of chair that the man sat on but it was too big for her, emphasizing just how young she truly was as her legs dangled beneath her.

Flanked by a woman who manned the desk outside, most likely his secretary, and the man who brought her over to Kumogakure, Taku felt alone, surrounded on all sides. Still, she refused to bow down, to cower before them as she sat straight, eyes straining as she let her Sharingan made itself known; the two tomoe's on her eyes spinning lazily as this memory was engraved to her mind.

Narrowing his eyes, the man glared at her, as if daring her to flinch, but she held firm, keeping a calm facade against such an overwhelming force. After what felt like an eternity, the man sighed, before he reached up to rest a cold pack against the nasty looking bump on his forehead. "Zed," the man called out, turning his attention to the diplomat.

"A," the man replied, casually addressing the ruler of Kumo with an almost familiar tone; Almost like friends greeting each other. Given how the man was sent to Konoha to negotiate a peace treaty, Zed must be someone close to them, someone they knew quite well.

"You promised me a Hyuuga," the Kage rumbled, giving her a strange look, before turning his attention back to the man.

"That we did," The man nodded, admitting how they had truly planned to kidnap a Hyuuga, until that is, she derailed it. At least the Hyuuga princess wouldn't grow up traumatized, she supposed. There was some good coming from her selfish actions.

"She's not a Hyuuga," the Kage pointed out, "From the looks of it, she's an Uchiha." Glancing at her, he snorted in amusement, "She even got that scowl of theirs."She frowned, reaching up for her lips, and realized that she was indeed scowling. She grimaced, looking away, but it only made the man chuckle.

As she felt her cheeks burn, Zed would thankfully speak on her behalf. "She is not, but she wanted to tag along," The man replied as he gave her a warm smile, "I'd be a fool if I didn't take her back home with me." They must think her a fool for walking into their arms… but if only they knew.

Raising a brow in intrigue, the giant leaned forward. "Well, did she now?" The man mused as he stroked his chin. Turning to her, the man commanded, "Oy, Girlie. You got a name?"

She jolted up at the volume of his voice, but she was quick to compose herself as she replied, "M-my name is Taku Uchiha, Raikage-dono." Taking a pause to compose herself, she bowed respectfully before the man, "I hope you'll take care of me."

"Oho, a polite one," The man clapped before grinning at the man behind her, "Hey Zed, you can learn a thing or two from her!" He laughed as the secretary behind her let out a long suffering sigh. These three… were closer than she expected.

The other man simply smiled as he answered back, "I could, but I won't." Almost immediately, she felt a shift in the air as the Kage looked back at his subordinate.

"Do you want a fight?" the man gritted out, eyes twitching as he slowly set the bed of ice aside.

"Maybe I hit you a bit too hard that time if you forgot who gave you that bump," The other man grinned back, making the Kage scowl.

"Come here you little shit!" The taller man shouted as she jumped over his table and launched himself at the other man.

Taku had barely any time to react, but thanks to the woman with her, she dodge them before they bowled her over. Shivering, she watched the two men trade blows. It was a battle of wills, their fist clashing as traded blows. She would have cheered if not for the fact that she was just mere feet away from the two.

"A-are they always like this?" She asked shakily, as she looked up at the secretary who helped her back on her feet.

"A and Zed have a long history together, always bickering and fighting over the smallest of things," The woman answered, giving her a silent look of apology. "They don't usually come to blows," She told her before quickly correcting herself, "Most of the time."Given how there weren't that many craters, Taku might have to believe her.

Despite the injuries, A was quick to overpower the man, twisting their arms behind their back. "I did bring someone with a Dojutsu back to the village, didn't I?" The smaller man shouted as he struggled to get up, but the Kage would sit down on him, infuriating the other man.

"Tsk, fine." The Kage snorted as he rested his chin against his fist. "Now, what am I going to do with you?" he mused out loud as he gazed up at her.

Taku felt her heart seize as the question loomed over her. She had thought through this a thousand times, imagining all sorts of futures for herself, yet nothing could prepare her as the man stared into her very soul. She knew the dangers, she knew what could happen to her, but compared what lay before her in Konoha, this was the preferable future.

Swallowing thickly, she asked them, hoping to at least her future pain, "C-can I atleast choose who my husband will be?" She expected to be laughed at, to be insulted, but all she felt was silence; She wasn't sure which one was worse.

Slowly, the Kage turned to the man beneath him. "Zed?" He asked, his voice low, carrying a dangerous edge as a look of fury passed over their face. "What the hell have I been telling this girl!?" They screamed as they got up and kicked the man.

"I thought I taught you better than this, Zed!" the secretary screamed.

Shielding himself, the man shouted back, "A, I swear to god that I haven't told her anything!"

Seeing the conflict brewing, she quickly interjected for her savior's behalf. "D-didn't you want to have some Dojutsu users in the village?" She asked, making the three pause as they turned to her. Looking down on her feet, she added, "I-I thought it was standard procedure…" Thinking about it however, maybe she shouldn't have let her mind wander too much.

The man let out a sigh before he walked over. She jolted, taking an unconscious step back before pausing as the man knelt before her. As she gazed back into those hard yet comforting eyes, she heard him tell her, "Taku, I don't know what twisted stuff they stuffed in that little noggin of yours, but I'll promise you this." Flashing her a smile, he promised her, "So long as you're under my care, I will do my best to protect you, got it?"

She stood there, shaking, unable to hold her gaze as she nodded back and held herself, "Y-yeah…"

Grinning, the man then wrapped his arms around his shoulder, making her yelp, as he laughed, "Besides, why the hell would we do that with someone who wanted to join my village?" Ruffling her hair, he assured her, "You're one of us now, got it?"

"A's a bit of a meathead," the secretary, making the man shout in protest, "But he means well. Can you atleast give us a chance?" She asked.

As she stood there, surrounded by the three, she felt… safe. "I guess?" She whispered, hoping, praying that they weren't trying to get her to lower her guard. She just wanted to be safe. Was it too much to ask?

"That's the spirit!" A shouted, patting her on the back which nearly bowled her over. Despite this, he felt a smile creep up her cheeks as she finally let her eyes rest. She didn't need her eyes to remember all of this. "You'll love it here!" The man shouted before pointing at the secretary, "Mabui, get her an apartment and enroll her in the academy!"

"Got it!" The woman saluted before she skipped out of the room.

"W-wait, isn't this a bit too fast!? I just got here!" Taku protested, feeling panic overwhelm her, "I don't even have a cover story!" She had just arrived here, having spent days on foot. She hasn't even acclimated yet to how cold it was!

The man nodded, giving it some thought, before he replied, "You're an orphan from the streets of Konoha by my second in command, done." She stared, flabbergasted at how nonchalant the man was. There was barely any thought of that cover. Anyone who saw her would realize something was up!

Seeing her gaze, the man snorted. "Take it easy kid, you're not even a decade old! Live a little, have friends, that's an order!" The man commanded, poking her on the cheeks. She was older… but being in the body of the child messed with her head. Why did she have to relive through her childhood all over again?

"Why am I starting to regret coming here..." She groaned, reaching up and covering her face with her hands. Maybe she should have taken her chances back in Konoha.

The duo laughed at her, patting her on the head as Zed told her, "Hah! Just you wait till you meet this year's batch! They're a riot!"

-x-x-x-

Smiling, she whispered, "Maybe it's not all bad?" She was given her own home, given a stipend to allow her to live how she pleased, all for the low low price of having to become a Kunoichi loyal to Kumogakure. It was a far better fate than she ever hoped for. "I do need to fit in if I want to stay after all," she told herself as she made her way out and into the streets carved into the mountains themselves.

Making her way through the relatively empty streets, she told herself, doing her best to psyche herself up for the task ahead, "It's just school anyways," While she wasn't one for violence, there was just something about chakra that made her want to study it to its fullest. It was magic she could cast with her fist! All that stands between her and knowledge was school.

"You've been there, done that. You just have to do it all over again," She reminded herself. She was already attending school back in Konoha. How different would this be? She just needed to figure out where the damn thing was.

Walking up to a vested ninja taking a smoke break, she asked, "Hey, can you tell me where this is?" Giving him the address, she hoped she wasn't being too rude.

The man looked at her strangely, but was nice enough to answer, "Oh, the school?" He asked before pointing ahead, "It's just over there." Following his fingers, she felt her stomach drop as she found the school… over at the other peaks.

"This is going to suck so much…" She whispered. At least she can tell her future children that she had to walk over mountains to get to school.

A/N:

Sorry this took a bit. Need to hammer out a bit of the plot details, but once it got going, it got going. Might try and post another chapter before I move on to next months winners if that's ok? I'll post the results after I wake up.