Romantic: Well, I was not expecting so many favorites and followers for this story. I am quite shocked. Truly I am.
I would like to welcome you to the updated version of Changes, I hope you enjoy your read.
"I can see you are hurting much more than I"
'When was this..a dream?'
The boy ran forward, his eyes narrowed with hatred for the person in front of him. His veins around his eyes raised, the power flowing through him just as angry as he is. His outstretched hand itching to strike another palm of power out through the person's back and hopefully, have the person close their eyes forever.
'His hatred is too immense.'
"A life for a life", the boy muttered as he got closer to her. Unfortunately for him, he is stopped by four other people.
'How did this happen?'
"So the main branch gets special treatment too? How typical", he growled out as he is held down from everyone.
The immense pain that follows causes the young girl to fall on her knees. The next few moments are a blur.
There was mutterings, mumblings, and shouts went unheard. Blue eyes stare right into the soul, gleaming with concern and anger.
'This was..'
Eyes flutter open, open to a too familiar and all too white ceiling. The sterile smell and cool air remained the same from all her other visits. The constant beep reminding her that she survived another attack of hatred, another pain made by white fury. Only this time, she was being watched. She didn't mean by the boy who made her believe that everything was going to be okay but by the vicious hawks.
"The chunnin exams", the girl mutters. Fists clench the bedsheet, teeth are clenched, and tears of frustration threaten to slide down. Her throat feels as if there were a rock inside, not allowing her to breathe or swallow her saliva.
The door opens, distracting her from her negative thoughts. She quickly blinks back the tears and offers the person who came in a smile.
"I see you are awake", the person looks at their clipboard, "Hyuga Hinata."
The man makes his way over to her, "I am the doctor assisting you and who operated on you."
"Thank you", Hinata sat up, "May I know my condition?"
"Of course, Miss Hyuga", he has a grim face, "Your internal organs, specifically your heart, are very delicate right now. You are not to push or endanger yourself for any slight strain can land you back here in the hospital."
Hinata coughs, 'Looks like it is much worse than I thought.'
"You can do light training but if you start to get tired, stop right away. If you fail to listen, your shinobi career will be over."
Hinata nods, her pink lips pressed into a thin line, "I u-understand, Doctor."
"You are to be released tomorrow", he gave her such a heartwarming smile that did not reach her.
"Thank you, doctor. I appreciate your kindness", she gives him a fake smile. She is not looking forward to meeting the vicious hawks, they are going to give her a death sentence. The main branch, the heiress no less, is not supposed to lose a match.
Not too long after the doctor leaves, the hospital door is slammed open by a boy Hinata's age. He has messy brown hair and red triangles on his cheeks.
"Hinata!", he runs in and shakes her shoulders, "You're awake!"
"You are stating the obvious, Kiba", a deeper yet dull voice says, "And you're hurting her."
"Sorry, Hinata", he grins at her, "I'm just happy you are awake, ya know."
"Thank you, Kiba-kun", she motions for Shino to come in, "Thank you both."
"It is no trouble at all. Why? Because you are our teammate", he pushes his glasses up as he stands next to her bed.
"May I know the current situation of the exams?", she looks at the two with an anxious face.
"Well the participants are given a month to prepare for the next exam", Shino informs.
"Yeah, Shino has a month to train his butt off", Kiba grins, "Sasuke and Minato are training as well."
"Nara-san is training with Akimichi-san and Yamanaka-san."
"Ha, I can't believe that Ino and Sakura just argued half of their fight"
"Kiba-kun, they had many unresolved issues."
"More like a fight for Sasuke and Minato's pants."
"Kiba-kun!", Hinata grabs her flushed cheeks.
He laughs her off, waving his hand as if to dispel her embarrassment. Shino rolls his eyes at his comment but no one can see it because it is hidden behind his glasses.
"Where is Akamaru, Kiba-kun?", Hinata frowned, finally noticing the disappearance of the canine.
"He had to stay with Hana-nee", he sighed, "He is still injured."
Kiba visibly deflated; without Akamaru, Kiba felt as if he wasn't whole. Shino and Hinata look at their teammate in sympathy. Kiba without his dog was like a singer without vocal cords, a car without wheels, an actor without expressions.
"When are you being discharged, Hinata?", Shino tries to lighten the mood.
"Tomorrow", Hinata fidgets, her index finger poking the other. Not wanting to worry her teammates, she holds in her coughs.
"Yahoo", Kiba jumps for joy, "Now both of us can help Shino train!"
"Of course", Hinata nods at the two, her heart filling with joy.
Later that day, Kurenai, her sensei, came to check on her. Reassuring Kurenai that she was alright, Hinata told her that she would be able to train with the rest of Team 8 tomorrow.
'I don't wish to worry any of them, it is for the best', she told herself throughout the day. Unfortunately for the heiress, the doctor informed Kurenai of her condition.
"I know you can't, Hinata", Kurenai looks at the girl with a stern gaze, "The doctor told me."
"But I can", Hinata protests.
"No you can't", Kurenai repeats, "You can't do it, Hinata."
Hinata looks up at her sensei with a defeated look, "Of course, Kurenai-sensei."
"I'm doing it for you, Hinata", her gaze softens, "I don't want you hurt anymore."
"I understand", Hinata looks down, 'But why does it feel like you aren't saying that?'
Kurenai gives her a pitying look before she leaves the hospital, her thoughts purely on Hinata's wellbeing. Which is why she informs Kiba and Shino that she would not be attending their training.
Hinata tries to sleep but her fear for the morning doesn't allow her mind to rest. Her fear of the judgment that will be passed the next day. The fear of the consequences of her failure. The fear of her father's face haunts her most of all.
Right away in the morning, Hinata is discharged from the hospital. She walks briskly to her home, avoiding eye contact with the citizens passing by in their early morning routines. As much as she wanted to stall her return home, she knew that the longer she delayed her return, the fear will be too immense for her to handle. She stops for a little to cough, her coughs becoming harsher.
She stops at the wooden gate, the words Hyuga displaying all too proudly on top of the gate. Two soldiers stand guard, their byakugan active to make sure what entered their home was nothing harmful to the Hyuga or the Hyuga name.
"Hinata-sama", they give her pitying looks, almost as if they know her fate, "Your father and the elders are in a meeting at the moment. They have requested that you join them."
"Of course", she bows, "Thank you for informing me."
The two soldiers open the wooden fate, revealing a large compound filled with beauty and serenity. The grass a vibrant green, the cherry blossom trees lined up for display, and the pond containing expensive koi fish. It represents a picture of royalty and tranquility. Only to Hinata, it looks like a hoax for the terrors residing between the walls of the marvelous compound.
She makes her way to the room in which her fate will be decided. Her hands shaking in extreme fear, her eyes darting around the compound, her heart beating like a hummingbird's wings, and her breaths coming out in short pants.
She stands before the sliding door, her fear striking closer to her heart. She takes a few deep breaths, trying to calm her erratic heartbeat and to keep her coughs at bay.
"Come in, Hinata", the harsh voice of her father demands.
She opens the sliding door and walks in, her head bowed. She can feel the blank eyes dissecting her and her errors. The air seemed thick enough that one could cut it with a dull knife.
"You requested to see me, father", Hinata gets on one knee.
"The elders and I were discussing your position in the branch, Hinata", he looks upon his daughter's quivering figure with disgust, "You are to fight me. If you fail, you will be disowned, stripped of your Hyuga name and branded with the curse mark."
Hinata stops breathing, her eyes wide with fear and shock, "O-Of c-course, f-father."
"Then it is settled", he glares at her hunched figure, "Leave, child."
Hinata stands, her head still bowed, and makes her way toward the door. Her trembling hands slide the door open with trouble. The minute she closes the door behind her, the people inside start making conversation.
"Incredibly rude for her not to establish eye contact."
"That child deserves a beating for the lack of disrespect."
"Too bad you have such a bad heiress, Hiashi."
"To be beaten by a branch member, what disgrace."
"Ensure that her punishment is well deserved."
"Of course, expect no less."
Hinata bites her lower lip, trying to keep her tears a bay. Her heart breaks at the thought of her father agreeing with the people making negative comments about his daughter. His own flesh and blood, his legacy.
Hinata stalks off, trying to find something to occupy her time before she is called to the family dojo. Her mind goes over her techniques and possible counter attacks, 'The doctor said not to push myself but..if I hesitate or tell otou-sama of my conditions, it will be even more of a failure on my part', Hinata bites the inside of her cheek, 'But I must fight back. If I give it my all, otou-sama can see my determination and hopefully not brand me.'
It was wishful thinking, she knew that all too well. Hinata lost to Neji, her precious brother, someone weaker than her father. As much as Hinata tried to convince herself, she knew the reality of situation. It was a disguise, a situation in which they can tell the outside world that she did not meet the conditions required so they had to take action.
"Onee-san", a voice brings Hinata out of her thoughts.
"Hanabi-imoto", Hinata whispers out, "You are aware that you are forbidden to be seen near me."
"I heard what they said", Hanabi runs to her sister, her arms stretched out for a hug.
Hinata embraces her little sister, "Hanabi-imoto, I am aware of what will happen. Please, do not concern yourself over me."
"If I knew this would occur, I would have never beaten you in those spars, onee-san", Hanabi feels tears pricking her eyes.
"I would never want you to go easy on me", Hinata smiles down at her, "You are much stronger than me and I am glad you gave it your best. I would've been insulted if you didn't give it your all."
"Hinata-onee", Hanabi whispers.
Unfortunately, there was a footsteps coming closer to where the two sisters stood in embrace. The footsteps steady and strong, meaning it would belong to their father.
"L-leave now, imoto", Hinata stands in front of Hanabi to cover her. Hinata stands nervous, waiting for her father to appear before her. She stands for a few more seconds, the footsteps getting louder; until the seem to become faint. Hinata sighs in relief, 'He must have turned down the hall.'
Hinata turns and keeps walking to her room, her worries once again increasing. She sits on her bed, her worries whispering louder, 'If I were to lose, what will happen? I will be branded with the curse seal, kicked out of the clan, and the humiliation of the Hyuga.'
She lays down, her worries becoming close to shouts, 'Just give up. That is the best course of action. There is no need to go through extra work to get branded.'
It wasn't until the evening that her father calls for her, ensuring that her nerves will make her more of a mess.
Hinata dresses in her traditional training gear for all Hyugas then walks outside to the dojo. Her nerves are fried, her heart beating fast, her palms sweating, and a knot forming itself in her gut. She walks to her destination slowly, hoping that someone will save her from what is to come. Unfortunately for Hinata, no one will come to save her from the storm that will happen.
She stands before for her father, more than ready to tell him that she will accept her fate without a need for a fight. But one look at her father, she knows that she has no say in this. She quickly looks around to notice that there is no audience to witness their fight. Cold fear fills Hinata's heart, there is no one to stop the fight when it gets out of hand.
'Oh no', the little color she has is gone.
She has no time to react, a blasting pain blossoms in her abdomen. Hiashi has a hand on her stomach, blasting chakra into her coils.
"Pay attention, child. The enemy will not wait for you to finish your thoughts", he activated his byakugan. Once again he strikes her, but this time her arms.
Hinata coughs blood into her hands as she struggles to breathe, 'I shouldn't give up.' She goes throught the necessary hand seals to activate her byakugan only to be hit by her father again.
"Too slow", he strikes her ribs, no chakra running out of his hands. Hinata is thrown against the floor, her cough becoming harsher.
Hiashi, seeing Hinata quivering on the floor, becomes blind with rage. He punches her cheek and eye, finding satisfaction in her cries.
"Why", he grunts as he picks her up roughly, "must you", he grabs her shoulder, "you look like her!", he throws her across the floor.
Hinata gasps, an explosion of pain erupting all over her body. Tears are streaming down her red and dirtied face.
"You are nothing like her, you piece of trash", he calmly walks toward her but there is a malicious fire in his eye. Hinata barely looks at him out of her bruised eye, her fear reaching new heights as he lifts up his arms.
"It's such a shame she had you", he mutters as he channels his chakra to his palm, "I hate you", he mutters before he strikes her, his chakra blasting out of her back.
Hinata lays in shock, her heart thumping slowly from the attacks but breaking by his words.
Hiashi arranges himself, "I will get the Hyuga Elder to seal you, child."
'He is going to kill me', she starts gasping for breath, 'I need to get out. Before he comes back, now.'
She struggles to get up, every bone in her body protesting at her actions. She limps toward the door, 'I need to go, I must go.'
Faint foot steps cause her to run, run out of the dojo. The twisting hallways didn't seem to end for Hinata as she ran. She runs past the gate guards, her feet never stopping despite the difficulty to breathe. The guards watch as she runs away, used to her running after clan meetings and spars.
Outside the room, Hiashi opens the door, "You got lucky, child. The elder is unavailable at the moment."
He panics when he fails to see his daughter in the room. He is about to shout to the guards to track her down when Hanabi appears.
"Is something the matter, Otou-sama?", Hanabi steps in front of him.
"Now is not the time, Hanabi. Your sister is missing", he moves past the young girl.
"You mean Hinata?", Hanabi looks at him.
"Yes, Hanabi."
"She limped toward her room, muttering about healing herself and getting rest."
"How are you so sure?"
"I was leaving my room when she brushed past me."
Hiashi scoffs, "That weakling."
Hanabi said nothing, just staring at her father with the well trained stoic face.
"Very well, her sealing and banishment will happen tomorrow. Go sleep Hanabi, it's late."
"Of course,Otou-sama", she bows and leaves calmly.
'Onee-san, run far away!"
Uneven footsteps echo throughout the street, letting Hinata know that she is the only one alone on the streets. Her lungs burn, her throat hurts, her thighs burn, her eyes sting as tears fall like waterfalls, and her ribcage is giving her hell. The cool air hits her wet cheeks, providing a cool wind to her burning body.
Because her tears obstruct her vision, she trips over a crack on the ground, 'I have to keep going. I have to move or Otou-sama will find me. Move. Move. Move. Move!'
She achingly stands up and keeps moving, her mind focused on getting to safety, 'Keep moving. Keep running!'
When she sees the enormous building looming over the village, she almost falls in relief. She keeps moving painfully, groaning on the very thought of the never ending stairs of the building. She knocks on the door, barely standing on her feet. She holds onto the frame tightly, exhaustion finally creeping up on her.
"Come in", a voice says from the other side of the door.
"Finally", Hinata sighs in relief, "I have permission to enter."
She opens the door, pushing all her weight into it just to open it. Naturally, she falls onto the ground the minute the door is opened. With her vision fading, she can barely make out the red robes of her leader.
Read and Review!
This is an updated version, I plan to take things slower.
Why I haven't updated when I said I would?
...well..I have been watching alot of anime and I can't seem to just write. I know what I want to say but it's difficult to keep writing or connecting things.