Quick Note; OMG! Another bad story by me; hopefully, though, this one is better than the others; Updates will be slightly slower, due to length, and I tried to make this one good, but it still might not be...sorry...please R&R!
Pairs: MAIN KibaxHina, SOME NejiTen, NaruSaku, one-sided NaruHina, MINOR InoChouji, POSSIBLY ShikaTema (Uncertain about last two; reviews would help on that...)
Disclaimer: I do NOT own the characters in anyway (Sounds like a recording) but the plot I guess you can say is mine...
A quiet breeze blew itself across the large lake, in the middle of a forest. The pine trees barely moved their powerful branches at the insult of wind. It quickly carried itself far out into the lake, until it reached its destination. Hidden mostly by the cool early morning mist was an entire kingdom built upon white columns. It was built right up from the water, as though one day the gods had given birth to this perfect city and it had just burst from beneath the light waves. It curved itself upon the supports, the city markets split into several districts.
The district lying only a few yards above the water was where the poorest of the poor dwelt; the beggars. Though, no thieves dwelled, for this kingdom was as pious as any dwelling. The beggars were few in number, and were no more harmful than the royal court members. Up the layers of white columned homes, open for the air to breeze through and the sunlight to grace, laid the richer folk. The higher the castle of white climbed, the more developed and detailed it became, until you reached the tip of the kingdom, the white palace.
Built towering above the rest of this man-made kingdom, the castle was like any other; large, with spiraling towers over looking the rest of the kingdom, high in the clouds. A long, thin white bridge connected the castle, on its solitary supports, to the rest of the kingdom, like a draw bridge in the air. Due to no ground, however, the castle was thin, not wide, and secret, small stairs led from the bottom of the castle downward, hidden from view of the village and waters, that led to the lowest of levels, under the supports completely. Here dwelled two things; the tiny dungeons that no one had seen nor inhabited for decades, and the escape route for the royals during a time of cease; just a well hidden dock with tiny boats that hid well in the mist and waters. Though these, like the dungeons and stairs themselves, had not seen human flesh in centuries.
Dwelling at an open window space in this very castle at one of the tallest towers was a girl, no older than nineteen, with her elbow propping up her chin as she watched a few white birds fly in the perfectly blue sky, just beneath white clouds and the light, bright sun that was almost fully raised. Her skin, pale like the stone around her, reflected even whiter against her cream kimono which covered most of her arms and her feet, which were wrapped in silk slippers anyway. After a moment of gathering herself, she slowly turned from the window, dropping what her other hand had held; a white lily. Seeing as the kingdom was on water, the only wines that grew on the castle walls and supports were lilies, and other numerous water plants. It was amazing how high they grew, but she had never really stopped to think about this. All she saw was white flowers; more white, to add to this already colorless castle.
She strolled down the marble floors and walls, past the few vases of light grey that polluted the hallway. Above her, on the ceiling, was the mural of angels. Dressed in white they were, identical in appearance. They were all pale, with dark, almost onyx, hair. Their eyes were wide open, showing the white, and pupil-less design of their interior iris. A few strung a cord or two on gold harps, others merely admiring a flower, white roses of course. They matched the very figure that strolled beneath them, as they should; they were her ancestors, after all.
She finally came across two gigantic white doors, marble, with silver lining and metal decorated with the kingdom's flower; a lily. She quietly pushed open one of these doors, then snapped it shut behind her. She strolled past the white cushions that stood neatly pressed beside her white marble vanity and across her empty room that was large. Above her once more was a ceiling mural of those who had come before her, only it only consisted of the females. Queens, to be precise. As it was customary for the eldest to resign in this room, and so she did. She did not stop to take in any sight of her pure room, only going straight to the bed. It was large, large enough for four princesses, and as white and unwrinkled as possible. She took no time in flopping down, still with eloquence, and found herself collapsing on its white sheets. Her dark hair, with traces of navy blue as an almost purple shine, spread itself out, the straight hairs flaring in different directions. Her pearl eyes, usually full of happiness, faded into a dull grey. Her smile, which she forced herself to do every day, faded, being replaced by her true expression; a deep frown.
She lived the life of a fairy tale princess, in this perfect castle. But, She would trade every fairytale thing just for the one thing she longed for the most; color.
This entire kingdom was nothing but white; white walls, white village, white cloth. Never was a dye purchased, and the flowers grown were always white. White was the color of death for her. She felt insane, for when those rare occasions came that she actually saw bright colors, she would flinch, unaccustomed to its color. This is why she secretly admired her long, dark hair. Not the way a vain person might for beauty, but in the way that this dark color was the only thing that reminded her that white was not the only color. She treasured her hair like a secret trinket, something small children hid from their parents. She showed little affection or liking towards color in public, but once alone, she hung on to every memory and detail of color. It was the one thing many took for granite, and yet it was the one thing she was missing in this seemingly perfect life.
Even now, lying on this white cloud that the servants informed her was a bed; her own kimono was white; simple and white. No colors, no lining, and a bit of white lace, but it didn't really matter; it was white; white like her white, her eyes, and her silk slippers. The cloud city, as some called it, was exactly that; a cloud of the purest of whites that solidified itself on the lake's surface, then gave birth to its own cloud people, all pale and dull as ever, so holy and sinless. Like angels, who lost balance and fell one day to this castle, this piece of heaven. But, to her, this heaven was a hell; a big, white, fluffy hell.
Her eyes and subconsciously fluttered shut, but quickly reopened when she heard a light knock at the door.
"Come in."
The door creaked open slightly, and in popped a familiar face. A small girl walked in, her own pale eyes and dark hair following her pale skin. Tiny hands reached up as the figure upon the bed rose, slowly slipping to her feet. Hinata quickly applied her smile, which wasn't so fake for she always was happier at seeing this face than most others.
"Hinata-san, Hinata-san!" The tiny girl giggled, smiling brightly at her sister.
Hinata couldn't help but giggle at her tiny life-like companion.
"What is it, Hanabi-chan?"
Hanabi smiled a big smile, her white teeth near sparkling as she jumped up in down in her light kimono.
"Hinata-san, father beckons me to tell you a-about the ball!"
Hinata was slightly startled.
"The ball?"
"Yes, the ball! The ball for tomorrow night, in honor of the new alliance between the two kingdoms…" She trailed off, her finger to her lips and her brow wrinkled as she thought. Five years younger than Hinata, Hanabi had never been the brightest at geography. However, she was seemingly more skilled in every other aspect than Hinata, or so everyone informed Hinata constantly.
Truth was, Hinata was nothing compared to her sister. Constantly, her tiny sister was found more sociable, brighter, and stronger. Hinata was weak and spineless compared to her. It was a shame the Hyuuga clan, for that is who ruled this kingdom, were so up-tight no tradition. They would have preferred the heir be Hanabi rather than shy little Hinata. They attempted to prove Hinata's lack of worthiness, slowly convincing the council and it's servants and servers with rumors and lies. Few ever believed them ,knowing Hinata too well to be able to believe the words, but some, like Hinata's cousin, had fallen for the tricks. It wasn't until recently that Hinata's cousin, Neji, had met her, realizing all the stories were lies, and was now one of her closest friends, though few in number they were.
Hinata, secretly, challenged them. If they succeeded in turning the entire castle against her, more power to them. Best case scenario, she would be banished, and then released into the world, full of color and life, where she could live away from the cooped up castle life and in the forest or mountains that surrounded her.
"…well, anyway. Guests have already been arriving; s-so father wanted me…to…" Her voice died from its cheery voice to a whisper, and her eyes drifted from her sister's face to the floor.
Hinata had never heard her sister stutter, or so hurt either. Hinata felt fear grow over her; she had an idea of what was wrong, and quickly tried to confirm it.
"Father is not wanting me to attend once more?"
Her father rarely showed his disgraceful daughter to the public. Hanabi's eyes widened.
"N-no, no! That's not it at all! It's just that…"
Hinata was confused; normally her father did not let her attend such occasions, but letting her come was more troubling than not.
"H-he wishes you not t-to stand in the place o-of the Hyuuga Heiress…"
Hanabi's voice was shy and soft, dissolving as she spoke. At once, Hinata's heart broke, but she tried desperately to hide the disappointing look on her face.
Hyuuga Heiress was the title given to the Lady of the Court. She was second in command over the kingdom, whether that is to her father or husband, whomever was the king. She always stood beside her king, at every formal gathering, and stood proud as he spoke. Once her father died or retired as king, she would be given absolute power for a year until she had been wed. Unfortunately, she would have no say in her husband. He would be chosen by the king, or her father, and then approved of by the council of Hyuuga Elders. The bride-to-be would be powerless over this decision.
Her sister's tears snapped her out of the day-dreaming.
"Do not cry, Hanabi-chan! It is my job to cry, and tears of joy I shall cry when I see you besides father at the ball. Now go, find the best seamstress in the market and demand nothing short of best for the future Hyuuga Heiress."
Hanabi walked quietly from the room, closing the door behind her. As soon as it was shut, Hinata flung herself onto her bed, curling up as she tried to silence the pain now rising in her gut. And then, she cried.
And no, they were not tears of joy.
A rush of adrenalin ran through him as he pushed past branches, trees, bushes, and all sorts of foliage. He laughed a deep laugh as a bark sounded behind him.
"Too fast for ya, eh, boy?"
A bark sounded in reply, then a low growl. The young man continued to run faster, the gap between the man and his followed growing. Apparently, his partner was tiring.
"Kiba, will you stop for a second?"
The man behind spoken to turned his head, immediately regretting it as it suddenly hit a stray branch. Flipping forwards, he landed on his back side. As soon as his head was lifted, he once more regretted it, for out of the bushes tripped a five foot long white ball of doom-er-fluff.
"Ah! Akamaru!"
A branch was pulled back, and out popped a head. The head had a face of puzzlement, staring down at the body barely visible underneath the white dog that sat, panting, on top of his owner.
"Akamaru, is Kiba under you?"
He heard grunts from below the dog; that was a yes. Akamaru quickly stood and trotted to the side, allowing his brunette master to shake his head and stand up. Kiba looked up at the new comer. Kiba's eyes were similar to that of his dog; beastly, slits of black, and rough. His skin was tanned and on his cheeks were the red 'fangs' of his noble family's crest. For centuries, they had served as knights under their kingdom, loyal like their companions. It was only natural to follow that tradition.
The figure whose head watched Kiba began to laugh, his own blonde hair shaking violently as he cackled and fell over, clutching his stomach.
Kiba snarled, and then began to laugh to.
"I see it!"
This voice silenced the two's laughter, and they quickly followed to its source. A dark haired night with matching eyes of coldness in his infamous black armor stood on top of a small cliff, over-looking the giant lake that was large enough to be a sea. He had his body slightly turned towards the lake, which was covered in mist thick enough for any soul to be lost in. Kiba and his two companions strolled over to the knight. The blonde stepped in front of them all, smiling out towards the lake.
"Well, we'd best be leaving soon. Which direction, Sasuke?"
Sasuke mumbled something about 'sir', obviously referring to his title that his superior had dropped. Kiba rolled his eyes from behind him. Kiba, the same faithful rank of knight as Sasuke, never cared too much for titles, but Sasuke seemed hung up on them.
"Straight ahead, through the mist."
The blonde nodded, and then turned away from the two knights. Sasuke followed; unaware of the scowl he was receiving from Kiba. Once the two had disappeared, Kiba turned to his loyal, over-grown companion.
"Well, somewhere out there lies the time of our life, eh, Akamaru?"
Akamaru yipped in agreement.
"Yeah, and with it is the girl of our dream, too."
Akamaru didn't reply, starring out across the lake. Kiba sighed; he knew this was probably was an understatement. The only real reason he was going was to protect his superior, and the only reason his superior was going was to find possible candidates for a wife. With so many countries gathered, this was as good as any bride-to-be-ball there was. But, being a knight of such a high class and from such an astounded country, Kiba's own pick in the ladies wasn't anything low. A few minor princesses, maybe a duchess or other royal maiden. Of course, some were off limits, like a few he had heard that were actual possible candidates for his superior, but that didn't bother him; they were probably snobbish and stuck-up. He almost pitied the man he served.
Turning down the cliff, he beckoned Akamaru to follow. The dog trotted quickly behind him as he raced to catch up with his companions. He didn't have time to be thinking about wives; his only duty now was to serve the one he had pledged his life to protect.
A light knock stirred Hinata from her sleep.
"Hinata-sama?"
She opened her eyes, lifted her head, and watched as from outside of her door a head popped in. Bearing similar dark hair to Hanabi with identical eyes, the only thing that separated the new arrival's appearance from Hanabi was his masculine features and light silver armor that showed as he stepped inside the white room.
"Neji-niisan!"
Neji blushed at the nick-name. He coughed, trying to clear his throat.
"It's Sir Neji, Hinata-sama."
Hinata smiled, rolling her eyes playfully at her mistake.
"I'm sorry, Sir Neji. I'll remember that in the future. Meanwhile, you should use my proper title as well, Sir Neji."
He opened his mouth to speak, and then quieted it with a soft chuckle. She was right; they rarely used formality between the two close cousins.
"Well, I hope you are faring well, Lady Hinata, for I bring news to you of the ball."
Hinata found her heart crumble once more that day, still early in the morning. Mention of the ball seemed to disgrace her more than anything else.
"Hinata, have you anything to wear?"
Hinata's eyes widened. The thought hadn't even crossed her mind.
"N-no…" She nearly gasped. Neji, however, smiled.
"Good, for I have already settled the matter."
With two claps of his hands, in walked a brunette maiden, her hair pinned into two buns and her chocolate eyes bright with joy as she bowed and presented Hinata with a furisode kimono.
Hinata nearly fainted. This furisode kimono was nothing like any other kimono she possessed; it was not white in the least. In fact, it was blue. Not just one blue, but many. Light blue, dark blue, sea blue, sky blue; plenty of blues, all matching in the combination. What was more was lilac flowers were printed on the pattern of the kimono, accenting it like lilies of the lake. The obi was a matching blue and purple fuse, folded the bunko style. The han was a darker blue, while the han-eri was folded right, to symbolize 'alive'. The sode hung long after the arm length ended, and the entire kimono glimmered in the light.
"I-it's beautiful," Was Hinata's first thought. Her second, however, was, "I don't deserve this…"
She, of course, spoke both opinions.
Neji laughed, chuckling at his cousin's modesty.
"Hinata-sama, if anyone deserves it, it's you."
Hinata mumbled a thank you, once again receiving light laughter from her cousin.
"Don't thank me, thank Te-I mean, this lovely seamstress who made it for you."
The seamstress offered out a hand, smiling.
"Name is Tenten, weapon mistress and occasional seamstress in my spare time. Neji here came to me with this request, and I couldn't hardly refuse. I hope you like it," She said, a tomboy accent hinted in her words.
Hinata smiled, on brink of tears from the kindness shown.
"Now, when is this supposed ball?"
Neji turned, slightly frowning in confusion at Tenten.
"Um, tomorrow evening; why?"
"Good, good; I'll be here around sunset to help the fitting of the kimono and dressing of the hair; I'm quite good with that," She added quietly to just Hinata, pointing to her perfectly proportioned buns that rested on her head. Hinata smiled, happy to have made a, if not friend, acquaintance in such short time. Neji rolled his eyes, turning back to Hinata.
"Now, who shall be your escort?"
Hinata once again froze. Escort? There was so much she had yet to consider of the ball; so little had crossed her mind. But now that she thought about it, of course it was important for any member of the royal Hyuuga clan to be escorted. With no suitor yet decided, Hinata had, naturally, no one.
"Well then, that's settled; I'll escort you, Lady Hinata, for as the Hyuuga Eldest-" Hinata noted that he did not say Hyuuga Heiress "-shall go disgracefully without an escort."
Hinata immediately had a bitter comment to this, but held her tongue.
"Well, I shall take my leave now; fair day, Lady Hinata," Tenten said as she exited from the chamber, a very happy Neji following her. Hinata caught his wink as he closed the door. And soon as the sound of steps disappeared, she sprawled herself on the bed, her limbs and hair spread out limply around her as her eyes and smile faded once more. The silky kimono, now resting in her ivory dresser, was a gift she surely did not deserve.
Hinata took pity on her mind, letting it drift away from guilt and shame into her constant fantasies of the perfect prince. He would be taller than she, and darker, with a tan. His hair would have color, not a dark black like she constantly saw. His eyes would be dark; nothing lighter than a deep blue. His smile would be crooked, and not perfect like every soul in this hell hole. He would be bright, brave, and bold; adventurous to say the least. And, he would love her with his entire heart; nothing short of it. Once married, the former Hyuuga Heiress, as her fate seemed to be favoring, and they would live far, far away from this cloud-colored prison. They would live in a forest, or base of a mountain; somewhere where the sun set with oranges and pinks and yellows, and rose with just as much color. The sun wouldn't always be just a bright spot on plain blue sky; it would forever change, each day more beautiful than the next. It would be a cottage; small and homey, but big enough for the children. Yes, not just one but not too many. Just enough to fill her life with adventure and never a dull moment. She would dress them, and herself, in bright colored kimonos; simple, nothing fancy, for she never liked fancy, but bright. These Hyuuga's wouldn't be covered in white like the ceiling murals; not, they would be proud and bold like their father, not spineless like their mother.
Yes, her perfect prince could deliver all this and more. He would be proud of his reject-of-a-wife, and see past what others saw; her for whom she really was. Thoughts of dancing with this invisible man slowly drifted her into a light sleep, into more dreams of her mysterious prince.
For once, while asleep, she actually had, plastered upon her face, a genuine smile.
A/N: I hope this story is better than my others(Like I said maybe six times now...) If anything doesn't make sense or is crappy, please review and I'll work on it! I actually like this story, and I'm almost proud of it, but I won't really know if it's any good unless people review, so pelase do! You can flame if you want, or review, comment, criticize; whatever is fine as always!
