The most painful days and sorrowful nights

7. Mind games

I had thought nothing of this.

This wasn't true. None of this. The reason for gathering together.  I thought of this rumor of return had been just that - a rumor. Old wives tales and silly predictions.  Everyone of those Kages were going mad. That Naruto was going mad after the death of Jariya. His master.

But I was wrong - Oh so wrong.

After meetings with the fellow warriors from other villages,I had stopped by Mama Tosai's home for Saizo. She told me he wasn't home, that A man with black hair had took him from here. I assumed it Sasuke, keeping his word to Saizo, but when I had come back home.  I froze.

this had to be a mind game, a genjutsu or something . Am I within Tsukuyomi?  No. I wasn't.  I saw you.

Itachi Uchiha. 

You were sitting next to Saizo talking to him. he was listening to every word you spoke. I remained quiet until you both were done.He would smile and laugh. Just like you.Could you tell?  That He was your son? He looked so much like you, that it hurts me sometimes.

"Mama,why cry?" Saizo had asked. you could take your eyes off me. your dead eyes that held no light. Yet I can see the false fire behind the Sharingan.

"Uzume."

I stepped back, my eyes blurry from the tears. my heart beating as you got closer.  your hands reaching out for me.

Stay away...why do you still breathe? I thought to myself. I watched you die.

I fell to the ground crying.  I felt Saizo's comfort me.

"Mama...Papa is here.Right?" He whispered.  I held him close to me. my eyes drifted from you back to him.

He's your spitting image. your clone.  Even when you died,you were still enchanting. you're smile was what tore me apart.

"Why are you still alive?! We watched you die!"  I snapped.

"I did die. I've hurt you more than I intended didn't I? you and Sasuke both. Does he know the truth?" 

I shook my head. I wanted to find a way to tell him,but I couldn't... it would be better for you to tell him while you're here.  You understood that. Shortly after, you hugged me.

I felt a warmth inside of you.  was this remembrance?  Your lips pressed against my forehead. You smelled like clay and Rosemary.

"I'm proud of you. I want you to know that from the bottom of my heart,  I love you. you've been so strong, and you grew constantly."

" I wasn't strong enough to stop Sasuke from joining the Akatsuki... I failed you." you chuckled at me. brushing my hair back from my face.

"That was my doing. Had I told him everything like I had you, things would be different.  He would be here protecting you."

I shook my head and you held me by my chin. your eyes showed me that they were still the same.  that you were still the same boy I loved.

Oh Itachi, I don't feel like the same girl as I once was before. If I could have you here again with me, if you could just stay with me.. it would end my crying. my pain.  my aching heart would be fixed whole again.

Itachi... Do you see me as I see you?

"Yes Uzume, I still see you as you are: a  beautiful goddess. "