The Way to Your Heart – The Long Way Home
Disclaimer- I do not own Naruto or any copyright. As much as I wish I did, I'm sure it's good money. If I did, girls would have had a better role in general. Specially Hinata. I do this for fun.
Hope you like it. The protagonists finally show up! Please let me know what you think. The good, the bad & the ugly don't care. More AN at the bottom.
"Characters Talking"
-Characters thinking-
The day before-Part 1:
She woke up, slowly opening her eyes. Her eyes still red from all the crying she did, until sleep finally overtook her. She sighed as she remembered her father's words. He was never happy with what she did. She was trying very hard, but it just never seemed to be enough. Did he hate her?
She sighed again. She had to get ready for the day whether she wanted to or not. They had important guests coming. Her father had told her some Kumo representatives were coming, while he chastised her again. Stressed the importance of being on her best behavior. To not shame the Hyuga. She sighed. She wished she could stay in bed or stay in her mother's dayroom. She turned her head as she got up. She saw the red bundle next to her bed and smiled. Yes, today was also the day she would repay his kindness. She wanted to thank him again and the festival was the perfect opportunity. Today she would finally get the courage to give it back.
She remembered how he came out of nowhere to defend her. He was so brave, like the knights in the stories her mother read her. She giggled. She had never seen anybody like him, with his blonde hair and cute marks on his cheeks. He stood up to the bullies. It was three to one too. She couldn't believe it. It was amazing to her. He didn't win, but he tried, for her! She giggled again. Unfortunately, his scarf tore in the scuffle. She apologized and he said it didn't matter before leaving. But it mattered to her. He left her the scarf and she had vowed to herself to return it to him, by the time Ko came back.
She picked up the bundled red scarf. She worked hard to repair it. Her mother showed her how and she fixed it. It wasn't perfect but she did it all by herself! She smiled, finally exited. She went to shower and get ready for the day.
Breakfast was as quiet as always. You could only hear the utensils being used on the plates. It was only her father and her at the table. Her father never said much. Her mother was too sick to attend. Her sister, Hanabi was too little to be at the table. She wouldn't behave and that was unacceptable etiquette. Especially for the leader of the Hyuga clan, her father. It was always too quiet for Hinata.
She fidgeted, playing with her food. She bit her lip, it was now or never.
-Now, go now. Just ask father's permission. Then I can finally return it. Today at the festival will be perfect-
"F_ff_ffather, after the meeting today" She took a deep breath. "C_cc_can I please go to the city. The festival is today and Ko promised to show me a specialty stand. And I haven't been to the festival yet and, and…" She fidgeted. Her words dying in her lips which suddenly became dry, when he looked her way. Her mouth felt like cotton. Her appetite gone. Her nerves were winning again. -Say something father, please-
"Festival? You worry about some festival, when we have important dignitaries to attend to? How many times do I must tell you. You are the Hyuga heir. You need to behave like one"
He looked at her, assessing her. Her eyes were glued to the table and she kept biting her lip. He was relieved however, she had asked for what she wanted. That would be a good improvement. But festivals? She needed to grow up & quickly. She was the heir. There was no time for trivialities. The branch members were acting up. Neji was a prodigy, she needed to do better, be better. Why couldn't she understand? Their lot had been set. His wife was so sick; she may not be able to have other children. His second born was also a girl. She was his first born, the one that had to uphold the Hyuga traditions. So many things that depended on her. He sighed. He didn't want her going out, after Ko told him of the incident with those hooligans, several months ago. It bothered him she was attacked, but it also bothered him, she didn't do anything. Did she even try to fight back? She needed to get stronger. To be a proper heir. Maybe he could use this.
"I don't see why not" Her head shot up. His calm voice gave nothing away, but she couldn't help getting excited. A small smile on her lips.
"You could go, once you do a special exhibition match for the dignitaries"
Her small smile disappeared and her shoulders dropped.
"Well, what do you say daughter. Standard rules. Three-point per match, Five set tournament. Winner of most points wins and sets win. Do you accept?"
She should have known better. Her father was never that kind to her. She wanted to cry. But then, she thought of that blond boy fighting against all those bullies. The image of courage and guts. He did it for her. The kindest thing anyone had done for her in a long time. She should do the same for him. She wanted to be like him. Valor. Yes, she would do anything to return his repaired scarf. Today. Today was the day, she had promised herself. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders.
"Yes father. I accept your offer"
He saw her posture and approved. She didn't even stutter. Yes, this will work.
"Very well then. Get ready and warm up. We will schedule it before lunch; once the morning meetings are finished. I will notify Neji"
Her eyes widened slightly in disbelief. -Neji? NEJI Why? Was her father still upset?-
"We will have an exhibition match for the diplomats and the elder council before lunch. Don't embarrass the clan. Remember you are the Hyuga heir. You must be the best" He used his napkin to wipe his lips. Slowly getting up to prepare everything and went to his office.
She nodded. -What have I done? What was I thinking? What is father thinking? An exhibition match for the guests?—
After all her previous failures. A match against her cousin in front of guests. -Why? Do you really hate me? Why with Neji?- She breathed hard. She didn't want to think about it. She was frozen in place, a million scenarios going through her head. Deep in her own misery she almost jumped out of her chair when she heard the maid's voice.
"Are you finished, Hinata-sama?"
"uhm, y-y-yes. Thanks for the meal"
She got up gracefully and left. The maid smiled at the child. Hinata-sama was always so kind to them. Tensions were getting higher between the branches. Specially with the advances Neji was making. But she couldn't help feeling bad for her poor mistress. So kind, like her mother. She just hoped the lady got her wish today. -She deserves a good day- she thought as she went back to work, picking up the plates.
By the time Hinata realized where she was; she was at her mother's door. Hinata made sure to visit her mother as many times as possible during the day. At the very least, 2-3 times per day. First thing in the morning and evening before going to bed where her favorites. She knocked.
"Mother, may I come in?"
"Please do, Hinata" She opened, the door and walked in her mother's room. She smiled.
"Good morning, mom"
"How many times have I to told you? You don't have to knock. Just come in. Now come here" Her mother opened her arms.
As she walked in the smell of medicine was overwhelming, as usual. Her mother was a beautiful kunoichi who got poisoned in a mission several years ago, it caused long term damage to her body. She was a strong kunoichi but sadly the poison damaged her organs. She would get easily fatigued and couldn't fight infections easily. Therefore, she had low energy and was bedridden a lot. She hardly ventured out of her room anymore. She had almost died in childbirth. Her survival was a miracle that she was thankful for. Her father tried everything. He obtained many different medicines from any available source in his quest to find a cure and save his beloved wife; without success. So far, they had only managed to slow the poison down and limit any new damage but they had been unable to reverse the damaged done. Everyone knew it was only a matter of time before her body wore out. But Hiashi had refused to give up hope.
"Morning sweetheart" Her mother stretched her arms wide, as she walked in. Enveloping her in a warm hug, that smelled of medicine and lavender. But Hinata didn't care it was part of her mother. And she loved her mother so much.
Her mother was an oasis for Hinata. Her mother loved her without conditions. Her mother didn't judge, she just loved her. Best of all, she was affectionate which Hinata drank like a balm. But her condition and the caring of her 3-year-old sister kept them separated most of the day. It had gotten better now that Hanabi was a toddler. There had been a time right after Hanabi's birth where she couldn't see her mother for days at a time and feared she would never see her again.
Hinata clung to her mother. Her fears finally subsiding.
"Morning, mother" She smiled. "I did it mom. I asked father for permission to go to the festival. I-I—I just have to fight Neji today in an exhibition, then I can go out and return the scarf!"
"That's great sweetie" She looked at her daughter's face. All her emotions clear in her daughter's eyes. She saw the worry and the excitement at the same time. "Are you nervous? Sweetie. Is that why you cried?"
Hinata frowned, but didn't say anything. She didn't want to cry again.
"I know you will do well. You should trust yourself more"
"But he wants me to fight Neji. He's…. That's.…"
"Hinata. Have faith in yourself. I have faith in you. Do your best. You always do, I know you do. You just need to show what you can do. What you have learned. I know you can do that"
"But father expects me to win. He won't be satisfied with anything else"
"You have been practicing very hard. I now you will do your best. Maybe you will surprise yourself at what you do"
"It doesn't seem to matter, specially to father. I…"
"Just wait a little; once you start ninja academy. I will show you my scrolls and my fighting style, and you will do great. You're like me. My style is more fluid than the standard and I'm sure it will suit you better. I already prepared them for you and put them in your room. In your secret hiding spot" She winked at her daughter. "They are for you, then your sister if she needs them"
"But mother, father wants me to fight using the normal juken. He's always mad at me. I think he hates me. He says I'm a disappointment…"
"Sweetie, never say that. Your father loves you. He loves all of us. He just doesn't know how to say it. I will talk to him"
"NO! ... I'm sorry, he will just get madder. Please don't"
"Hinata, I promise it's not like that"
"But he…"
"Hinata. Sweetie" Her mother sighed. She lifted Hinata's chin and made her look in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I wish, I could be there in person to support you. But I know you can do this. Just do your best. You are my girl. I love you" She hugged Hinata again. And couldn't help the cough that escaped her lips.
Hinata's guilt made her eyes's tear up. "I'm sorry mother. It's not your fault. I'm sorry to make you worry. Please don't. I love you too. I can't wait to learn your style. Then I will show them. I promise. Please don't worry"
"Your father loves you too. I promise. He's just too worried about me, the clan, a lot of things" Hitomi worried so much about her daughter. She was too kind and so many things where dropped on her tiny shoulders. She wished she could get out of bed and protect her more. She hugged her again. She needed talk to Hiashi tonight.
Hinata hoped that she was part of the everything her father worried and cared about. She enjoyed the comfort of her mother's embrace. That is until, Hanabi climbed the bed, hugged her mother and demanded some attention
"Mama" Hanabi was more active than your typical 3 year old. She was a firecracker just like her name and she loved the attention.
"I love my girls" Hitomi giggled and hugged them both. Hanabi was showing her mom her moves.
"Look, mommie, look a' me!"
Hinata and Hitomi shared a laugh at Hanabi's antics. She was on the bed throwing her hand out like she had seen them do while sparring. "Look, look! Like daddy"
They enjoyed each other's company for a bit. Hanabi's antics and need for attention kept them laughing. Then Hitomi turned to her daughter with a special glint in her eyes.
"Now tell me sweetie, what are you planning on saying to your gallant savior when you see him. Will you tell him how you learned to knit just for him and then knitted it just for him? Or will you say how handsome he looked with his blonde hair when he saved you or how" Her mother teased.
"Mom! Please" Hinata turned red.
"Maybe you should just…"
"MOM!" Hinata felt lightheaded and turned even redder. So, red steam appeared to come out of her ears. Her mother made her forget everything. She felt so good here. She wished she didn't have to go out. Her mother spent the rest of their time together teasing her. It was easy for Hitomi. After all she had heard multiple times about her gallant blond savior. Heard it so many times, she could probably recite her daughter's descriptions in her sleep. She just loved seeing her daughter laugh. She wished she laughed a lot more.
The morning seemed to flew by. She enjoyed her time with her mother. Then ran to her room and changed. She checked her secret floorboards and calmed down at the sight of her mother's scrolls. Some day. Maybe not today but someday, she would show father. And he will finally smile at her. She looked at the scrolls again, smiling as she stored them again.
She got changed into her practice clothes. And went to warm up. Warming up also helped her get her mind of what was to come for a while.
Late-morning Neji walked into the dojo. -Hum- He smirked as he saw her. He was the branch prodigy. Their pride and hope. The best.
Neji growled internally when he saw her. -Damn fate- Because of a stupid twist of fate, a few minutes really, his father was fated to serve as was he. Worse, he had to serve an incompetent, pathetic heir. Every time he saw her, he remembered his father's words, all the indignities his father had suffered. He would pay them back. He would crush her today; winning was not enough. Exhibition indeed. He would humiliate her, carefully of course. He didn't want his father or mother to suffer. But he would not let her advance today. The incompetent didn't deserve to lead. The branch were better and he was their representative. He would show everybody who was superior.
"Hinata-sama" he acknowledged with a nod of his hair. Then proceeded into his kata's.
Hinata watched him anxiously. She knew, he disliked her although she didn't know why. He always said her name in that tone. Whenever they spared, she got the most painful blows of any spar. Almost like it was on purpose. But that was impossible. She never complained because she didn't want to get family; her cousin; in trouble. She also doubted her father would approve of her whining as he would put it. But she could tell he wanted to do more than just win. Why did he want to win that bad? Did he hate her too? Had she done something? Was it because of the main vs. branch. She tried to be nice to everyone.
She didn't see Neji much, but they were family. The branch kids didn't play or mix with the main much. Not that she had time to play with anyone. She hardly saw any of the main kids either. Her schedule was full with her duties. What had she done to him? To anyone? She didn't get it. They were family. But her father was always stressing the importance of being from the main house. Her mother had told her there was more to the distinction and she would explain later, when she was older. She knew the seal separated the branches and her father was the leader. She didn't understand the whole thing. Maybe one day they could be closer, friendly. She hoped so, she would like to get better with everyone.
Her thoughts were interrupted as her father, her uncle and the elder council arrived with the dignitaries. She knew it was time. She closed her eyes. She had to steel herself. She thought again of the courage of those blue eyes. She opened her eyes and looked to the sun shining outside as she steeled herself and took a deep breath.
Everything became a blur after that. Her father introduced them to the visiting dignitaries and the Kumo Ambassador, who towered over the visitors. She started to sweat. The council and her uncle looked at her in a disapproving way, which made her even more nervous. They always seemed to be judge unworthy. It didn't hurt like her father's disapproval, but it still stung, nobody believed in her. They seemed to sap the little confidence she had.
She repeated her mantra. –Today, is the day, today, today. If I do this, I can return it TODAY- And the ordeal began. She couldn't call it anything else. She heard the referee.
"Hajime" And she was on the floor. Again
"Hajime" She flew outside the mat. And again
"Hajime" She kept hitting the mat.
She hit the mat so many times, she lost count. Her arms and legs were numb. She quickly lost all three matches in a row. She did not score a point. She did not even seem to last a couple of minutes after the start was given. She may as well have been a punching bag.
Humiliating was putting it mildly. How could it go so wrong? Where her efforts that poor? She couldn't feel her arms or legs. As the healer painfully reopened her tenketsu's; she could feel her father's anger. He didn't say anything as usual. But she felt his gaze burning her; the disappointment so clear in his eyes it felt like another of Neji's blows. She looked to Neji, who had a smug, satisfied look in his face when looking at her. So, did her uncle who then turned, put his hand on Neji's shoulder and gave his son a big approving nod. She felt her uncle's pride. The dignitaries where praising him.
"Well done."
"You are a prodigy indeed."
"A shame you are a branch member" said the ambassador from Kumo with an malevolent gleam in his eye. Hinata did not like that look. It looked predatory. "A shame indeed" –you're already branded. I would have loved to collect such a specimen, oh, well. My plan was focused on the other one—
"Well done, son. I am proud of you" Said Hizashi, something Hinata was painfully aware she would not hear from her father today and was deathly afraid; she would never hear.
She felt her eyes tear, but she didn't dare start crying in front of everyone. That would be the ultimate face loss for the Hyuga, for her father. She looked down to her sandals.
"Hinata, we will discuss your performance later. You are dismissed" She bowed
"Hai, father" and left.
She started running to her room as soon as she was out of sight. She cried bitter tears once she was alone. She showered and awaited her father. He would never let her out now. -Why? I tried. What did I do wrong?-
What now? As she waited, she looked at the scarf. A crazy idea suddenly popped in her head. Her father had only asked her to compete. And although he wanted and expected her to win, that wasn't part of the deal. Could she? Her father would not be done until late tonight. He had dinner with the Hokage & the diplomats. He didn't say no. Technically, he just dismissed her. And she finished the match as promised. Her breathing increased, her hands became sweaty. Could she really do it?
-Today- Her hands trembled as she picked the scarf up and wrapped it. He didn't know how to find him. The festival was her best chance. It had to be today. She had to do it today. She changed into her day yukata. -deep breath, deep breath- She just needed to be back before her father looked for her tonight. He was already disappointed; she was going to get it tonight anyway. So, what difference would it make. -deep breath- she kept repeating to herself.
"I will at least return it to him" She took another deep breath "Today" She quietly made it out of her room. Then quietly out of the compound before anyone noticed. She didn't even tell Ko. She could not get him in trouble, in case she got caught.
-He might try to stop me too. He will talk me out of it- She knew it would be easy, as scared as she was. She was still trembling the whole way out but there was no turning back. She made it out of the compound.
And then, she just ran. Her heart going a million miles per minute. Freedom! Today she would return it.
Author's Note:
I will cut it here. This has gotten long. Hope you are enjoying it. I wanted to show a day in the life, before the kidnapping. The Hyuga's interaction, etc. It will be a most important day though! You know who makes an appearance next chapter! Finally, the other protagonist!
I was so excited, I finished this quickly. Almost done with the next one too. NaruHina time. But I don't want to promise it will always be this quick.
Please review and let me know what you think. Anything will do. Are you curious about anything? I really want to know your opinions. Thanks!
I want to thank theblueswordsman for his kind review. You should check out his stories. They are good. He just started Cloud Rising which is very interesting. He also wrote Uzumaki Naruto Chronicles Rewrite -this is a very angsty story and involves torture and a dark world. It may not be for everyone but if you can deal with that, it's very good. I like the recovery aspect.
My story will be a slow build on first few chapter. I do have a definite plot, that you will hopefully like. And Twists you will hopefully love! NaruHina will be the focus but they don't operate in a vacuum. Not many OC's except in Kumo for obvious reasons. They will not be the protagonist of the story at all. But Hinata will interact w people in Kumo, dah.
Where the Kumo diplomats/ambassador ever named? Does anyone know? If not I will make one up for the Master and he will the only important OC-an antagonist, again for obvious reasons.
Thanks for the views. Please let me know what you think!
