Hello darlings, its been a long time since I posted, I'm still writing, I've just been bombarded with opportunities and have been taking them. its been impacting my editing time but i dont want to wait to drop content so here we are, please let me know if you are interested in being a beta or if you notice something off.

Chapter 2

Several hours later, Hinata found herself in one of three bathing rooms Shino provided. She sat on the edge of the deep welled marble tub and watched as the steam rose from the surface. Stripping down, she slid into the water waving her hand through the steam to conjure a luminescent orb. In its depths, King Naruto of the swirling flame stared out of a large window. His golden hair touched by the light of Lunamara shined almost silver. He turned, cerulean eyes sparkling momentarily as his queen stepped into his embrace. Her pink hair fell down her back in waves.

"Naruto," she said softly.

"Hm?" He answered looking down at her.

"Hinata has started a call and you didn't even notice."

He paused, looking around the room wildly until noticing her moon-eyed gaze in the glass of a wall mirror directly behind him.

Stepping back from Sakura, he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Hinata!" He yelled out.

She giggled hiding her smile behind her mouth.

"Hello Naruto, Sakura." they bowed briefly. "To what do we owe such a late call?" Sakura asked.

"Nothing good, unfortunately. Danzo has made his move. In an attempt to hide our strength we chose to flee, no one was injured though Ino"-

The color drained from Sakura's face as she interrupted.

"Is she okay?"

"She's fine and is likely resting. she overexerted herself casting a shadow transport spell. She's grown so much in such a short time. Soon, she'll be ready for resonance training. Speaking of which, I wanted to know, how has your resonance training gone?"

Sakura blushed heavily,

"Well," Naruto trailed off chuckling and brushing the back of his head.

Hinata took in their blushing faces and rolled her eyes.

"You have to get past the pleasure of it.

Otherwise, you won't be able to control it."

Sakura calmed at her words.

"We know that, and we are working on it."

Hinata nodded her head. Pausing briefly.

And what of Sasuke? Is, has he-

Naruto's face turned to stone as he cut her off.

"he's off limits at the moment Hinata."

She faltered. "I",- her calm mask broke for just a second. "He's my-" defeated by his simple statement, she nodded once. "Very well, please keep him informed a-and let him know his presence is missed."

Naruto nodded once contemplating the array of emotion that flit across her face.

"Get some rest Hinata, tomorrow is a new day"

She nodded "goodnight Naruto, Sakura."

Waving her hand through the luminous mist she watched their images disperse. She stared tearfully into the still water of her bath. pressing her fingertips along the surface she began to hum, the sound changed in speed as images began to swirl in the waters she leaned forward staring intently until she saw the image of familiar locks, dark as night.

"Sasuke" she breathed out just before a cloud moved across her field of vision.

"No" she whispered "please, please don't-" she gasped as the cloudy image disappeared from view in a small whirlpool. Then, the water burst out splashing her in the face. she slid down into the tub and cried.

Hinata sat at the vanity as Ino brushed her hair behind her. Ino watched her face in the mirror, her pale checks devoid of color, and eyes blank, she seemed crestfallen.

Ino debated with herself for a few moments before tentatively breaking the silence.

"You know the only time I've ever seen you this stony was after the announcement of Naruto and Sakura's engagement."

Hinata's eyes flickered towards Ino's reflection. Raising a delicate eyebrow as if to ask, "your point?"

Ino sighed running the brush through her hair one last time before gathering it into a braid.

" Well, I was going to say if you could get over the devastation of losing Naruto you could get over Sasuke but I have a feeling there are absolutely zero similarities between either incident." she finished the braid, wrapping it in a nice bun on the top of her head and then patting her shoulders.

As she turned to leave the room Hinata reached out and grabbed her hand.

"You have always been my friend Ino, but, this is different. This is,-" she sighed wistfully, "this is too much. Get some rest, my friend, tomorrow is a new day".


When the first lights of Luminata touched Hinata's face she sat upright abruptly, a small gasp passed her lips as she was filled with sudden dread. She turned her head, braid falling from its tucked place on the top of her head and glanced around the room. She tossed the duvet off of her legs and ran towards the door. Pulling the door open she came face to face with Ino, slight panic in her eyes.

"What's happened?" Hinata whispered.

"Tenten has gone, she-"

Ino stumbled through her words only to stop short as the window to Hinata's room flew open. Ino sprung into action, spinning around her and drawing her dagger, holding its glowing blade in the direction of the intruder.

Tenten scrambled in through the window gasping hard. "Message received from Lee, the council will meet at the second light of Luminata."

Hinata nodded please alert Shino that we may need to reroute the transport portal to the main palace.

Tenten nodded turning and springing out the window and into the trees.

Ino hummed. "we'll arrive before the carriages. Maybe you should go alone, Tenten and I will ride in with the carriage."

Hinata nodded. "I'll say I was worried about my father and opted for a faster medium of travel."

Ino turned opening the door to a small bundle placed in front of the door. Our clothes have been delivered, and not a moment too soon.

The trio followed the maids down to the transport area where they waited for Shino's arrival. They watched as vines and branches were twisted into intricate designs, listened to the gurgle of bubbling water just a few paces away.

Tenten leaned against a tree and flashed a smile at Hinata. "The people of my tribe called them Kings of the Woods"

"Druids," Ino hummed out, "completely one with nature."

Hinata watched closely as the workers slowed and laid down their tools before standing and looking expectantly towards the main pathways. Shino rounded the corner dressed in rich green and black robes, his dark glasses perched on his nose shielding his eyes from view. The workers bowed deeply. Shino bowed deeply in return. Hinata smiled at the display of respect and rose from her seated position and following suit, bowed deeply as well.

Returning to her full height, she stepped forward and said, "thank you for having us Shino, you have given us the utmost care."

Shino turned quickly, dismissing her thanks and leading them towards the intricate layers of braided vines and branches.

"Ino and Tenten, you will be transported via the leaf line, the seal placed on the carriage was drawn using ink from these same leaves. Step into the center and you should be teleported above the seal, which should leave you inside the carriage."

The two complied, stepping into the center of the circle.

"We'll push forward hard; we won't leave you alone for long," Tenten said.

Hinata gave a curt nod and said "may your journey be lighted by Luminosa." and in a flash of light, they were gone.

Shino turned to Hinata and offered his arm, guiding her towards the sound of bubbling water. You will be traveling via the mirror, you need only visualize the mirror in your room and then step onto the surface here. Hinata squeezed his arm as they came to the edge of the lake. Stepping onto the surface, she smiled before winking out of view.

The transport went smoothly, the glass of her mirror rippled once, and like a veil parted as she stepped through the darkness of the Shadowlands and into the brightness of the room.

She looked around her, noting the somewhat familiar room had not been dusted in preparation for her arrival. It confirmed her suspicion they did not expect her to make it in today.

Waving her hand quickly, using a quick spell she cast a breeze which lifted the dust from the floor and dresser and directed it out of the window. She turned to the closet. I may be hopeless at hair but I can at the very least dress myself she murmured softly before opening the brass doors and delving into the mass of silks and cashmere.


Sasuke stared across the darkened grounds from the roof of the castle tower. A warm breeze blew through his hair and he waited. Arms hanging loosely to his side as he spotted a blackbird heading in his direction.

The crow crossed the distance effortlessly and perched on his shoulder. They remained on the roof watching as the first tendrils of light crept across the sleeping city.

Sasuke turned away from the light and descended the staircase that would lead him back to his private chambers.

Once safely inside the crow flew off his shoulder and transformed into a man of similar stature. With raven hair and cobalt eyes to match the king.

Dropping to one knee he bowed his head.

"Itachi," Sasuke muttered in irritation.

With a hidden smile, he rose swiftly. Stepping forward he gripped his brother's shoulder. Any trace of amusement gone.

"Sasuke, Danzo has made his move. This war has begun."

Sasuke nodded and swallowed. "What of Hinata?"

"Safe. Sai and Ino sent the horses and carriage ahead, she and Tenten transported from the Aburame home to the carriage and Hinata transported from their into her room." Has Naruto sent out his clones?

Yes, he also had a message for you.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow in question as Itachi pulled a small round shell from his pocket. He said it was to be listened to in private.

Sasuke paused as he reached for the shell. His dark eyes flickered up to similar ones before nodding and placing it in his left breast pocket. The placement did not escape Itachi's notice. Sasuke turned back to face the window. "May Solaris offer her peace as Luminosa offer her power"

Turning to Itachi he nodded, and they swept from the room.

"Tenten sent the replicas of the tools of war, I understand Irobu is currently the best jeweler we have"

Sasuke gave a resolute nod. "He works as a blacksmith, he only takes on tasks regarding jewelry for us."

They continued on to the armory in silence.

The guards pushed open the heavy iron doors as they approached. They paused just ahead of the doorway watching as Irobu, master of the ironworks pulled hard on a wooden lever until a massive fire roared to life and the magic enforced gates fell into place. Bō his son tapped his large shoulders to alert him of the king's arrival.

stepping down, Irobu bowed deeply. "How might I be of service today my king?"

"You are familiar with the tools of Holy war correct?"

Irobu nodded some of the greatest artifacts known to man. He remarked.

Sasuke nodded. You have been given explicit permission to mine in the Uzumaki ruby mines the Yamanaka sapphire mines and the diamond mines of the Senju. I need you to leave in two hours. You will be outfitting replicas of the tools. I need them finished before the last light of Lunamara. Irobu nodded.

Sasuke continued. Due to the nature of this assignment, you will be given a seal to make sure this information remains secret regardless of the methods used to extract it.

Irobu nodded and held out his left arm expectantly whilst shutting his eyes. He grunted as a burning sensation spread through his arm and settled in his mouth. His eyes flew open as pain lanced through his throat before dissipating. He looked at his arm which was bare and shrugged testing out his voice he timidly began. I'll need my usual team to gather the materials if I am to begin casting by nightfall.

Sasuke nodded that will make five of you correct?

"Yes," Irobu affirmed

Itachi nodded as he stepped into the conversation. then I shall ready the transport talismans. You will gather in the king's war room by the second light of Luminosa.

"Yes my prince"

Sasuke hummed, "you may go"

Irobu crossed his left arm over his chest before bowing and turning on his heel to retrieve his team.

Once safely in his private chambers, Sasuke secured the door before settling down at his desk tucked firmly in a corner to the rear of the room. he stared briefly at the burning candle, the flickering of the flame reflected in his coal eyes.

leaning forward with a start,he pulled the shell out of his breast pocket and placed it so that it might act as a challace. pulling out his dagger he split his thumb to drip into the hollow of the shell. he waited, and then the shell unfurled taking the shape of rolled parchment.

settling into his chair, he began to read.

Sasuke,

I am sure that by now you know of the attack on Hinata's carriage. I am also sure that you are aware of her last attempt to see you. I have placed my trust in you, completely. Hinata needs you, this movement needs you, this attempt at redemption for the lands of Amaterasu could not be anymore ill-timed. While I am aware there is much that I am not aware of, I expect, that you come clean, and soon. Hinata does not have much time should we fail, more than a single empire will fall.

Signed, Naruto

Sasuke stared at the blue ink seal that indicated the letter had been personally stamped. The swirling seal glittered under the candlelight. Lifting the parchment to the nearest flame he watched as an image bloomed to life before him. Large tear-filled eyes stared at him for a second before looking away. "Let him know his presence is missed," she said softly.

Sasuke looked away as the image was slowly eaten by the flames until the parchment caught a fire as well and soon both were gone.

Sasuke turned towards the open window and stared at the shimmering body of Lunamara made brighter by the light of Luminosa. "May her light shine on you" he murmured. Turning to glance back at his stationary he dipped his pen into the black ink and began to write,

Naruto,...


The sound of heels clicking across the marble floors echoed throughout the empty palace hallways. The sound bounced off the High ceilings and preceded her as it traveled down the corridor. Swaying hair and moonstone eyes came to a halt before Large brass doors. Tossing heavy locks over squared shoulders she pushed the door open.

A Cacophony of sound assaulted her ears and immediately died and transformed to silence as she stepped into the room. Ears still ringing with the final shouts of a few noblemen, she turned slowly, taking them in and attempting to place a face to the few phrases she'd heard.

"Not suitable to be queen" Byakuya, she mentally marked.

"An embarrassment to Kuen" Grandfather

"Rightful heir" Sarutobi Kurenai.

Turning finally to the elders she noted the stony faces of those clearly her enemy and those that would be allies. Cutting her search short, a voice called out from the far corner of the room.

"It is quite nice of you to join us lady Hinata."

Shifting her opalescent eyes she made contact with Byakuya Hyuuga.

Hinata fought the urge to narrow her eyes blushing in what was perceived as an embarrassment. She smiled, "-yes, it seems your messenger neglected to tell me that the council would be meeting earlier than expected. Luckily, I was so worried about the well being of my father that I chose to travel by portal instead. I arrived a few hours ago. Imagine my surprise to find the castle devoid of any of the staff."

Byakuya coughed turning his grey eyes away from her momentarily, "I, yes well"

Of course, all is forgiven I am sure it was a simple mistake. As any attempts at misleading any member of the celestial family is considered treason and punishable by death. Such a level of deceit would be beneath you, wouldn't it dear cousin." she finished with a smile,

Byakuya bowed his head " a simple mistake my lady, I shall make sure it does not happen again.

Nodding once she turned and walked up to the only empty seat in the room, the seat of the king. The tension in the room rose considerably as she sat down. "It appears, that we have much to discuss.

A gruff voice sounded across the tense room. "You have no right sitting in the place of a king"

Hinata's eyes fell to Shimura Danzo, noting the intensity of his glare.

"As the heir to the throne, I would suppose that I have more of a right than anyone sitting in this room."

Your father still lives,

And yet you called a council meeting, one that you may have noticed he is not present for.

Bowing her head to hide her ire, she dropped her shoulders and softened her voice

"you treat him as if his death has been prophesied."

Shizune, called out softly, "I am sorry dear, but as your fathers personal medic I must be clear, I do not believe your father has much time."

"Then what concerns Do the council have regarding my father's health?" we grow old and then we die" Danzo answered.

We have no concerns over his health, just concerns with succession. Should he succumb to the whims of the dark one we must be prepared."

Hinata narrowed her eyes at the fragile form of Hitomi Hyuga, a shadow of the powerful woman she once was.

her large gray eyes were heavily hooded,

"while I am aware many of you do not believe I am capable or fit to lead our country; I assure you I have every intention of taking my place."

Danzo scoffed outright.

"we need a warrior to lead our people, not a spoiled princess that imagines flowers in every garden. you will run us into the ground!"

his conviction was met with a roar of sound, as the council and Elders began to argue amongst themselves.

"Swallowing her anger she lifted her hand until the court fell silent.

"Danzo, I assure you I do not dream of flowers nor has my father entertained the idea of spoiling his children. That you believe so speaks volumes about your beliefs about the royal family and our country."

Inclining his head, Danzo leaned back in his seat, and mumbled: "I merely articulate my worries."

Hinata leaned back into the throne, knowingly forcing Danzo to lean forward to see her.

"As I said before, I have every intention of taking my place. Regardless of your fears. The place of the queen of Kuen is my birthright. Upon my father's death or his decided retirement, I will be crowned." Her eyes glowed fiercely as she continued, I was born, bread and ripened for this role. Every beat of my heart pumps the will of my people through my veins no other will lead them,

Hinata paused, Her eyes shifted taking in the others in the room, and realizing the majority had already been won over to Shimura's side.

no other will wear the crown and should you wish to find it placed upon your head, or the head of one of your own All that wish to challenge me will find out exactly how much of a warrior I really am"

Danzo laughed, "you are weak, and have always been. Your words hold no threat. We need a leader that will unify the surrounding countries, and as I have observed you are not that leader."

Hinata made eye contact with Kurenai and allowed slight panic to fill her face. Danzo was speaking too freely,

Kurenai raised a hand in response, ruby eyes flashing quickly before turning from Hinata to address Danzo.

"Surely this conversation is a bit premature? Shizune has been unable to determine the length of time King Hiashi has left. The celestial family is notoriously long-lived Given the opportunity and care he could still recover, and in any case, as one of her previous instructors, I can assure you she at the very least is well adept at strategy. This alone Makes her a better candidate than most does it not.?

Before Shimura could respond, another voice interjected. As the next in line, I should note that I have already sworn to her my fealty,"

All eyes turned to Neji as his voice traveled around the room.

"I have been called the prodigy of the celestial house, where she stumbles I will stand strong, I will help her lead the people."

Hinata smiled gratefully in his direction, discretely nodding her thanks to him.

Danzo fell silent before smirking, "then I do believe talk of marriage is in order."

Panicked Hinata stood slapping her hands down on the raised dais. My marital status will not need to change with 2 other successors alive. That being said, I'd like to take the time to visit my father. This meeting has been concluded. You are all dismissed."

Danzo attempted to protest the closing of the meeting. To witch, Neji casually drowned out his voice while stating. "As you have said Lady Hinata, this meeting is adjourned."

Hinata remained standing as each member of the council began to bow out of the room some refusing to spare her even a glance ass they disappeared beyond the brass doors.

Neji, Hanabi, and Kurenai stepped towards her taking in her suddenly shaking form.

"Sister" Hanabi began

Hinata looked up, Moonstone eyes clashed against gray before she reached out and pulled her into a crushing hug.

" looking up, she glanced at Kurenai and Neji, I have much to tell you and we have much to do. Use the passageways within your rooms tonight. Once you enter the tunnels, the blue stone at the beginning of the passageway will transport you where you need to be. Do not worry, I have secured them, they can not be traced.

"Neji nodded once taking Hinata's stunned sister into his arms. Speak with him, I am sure you have much to discuss."

She nodded her head in affirmation.

And Hinata, he called over his shoulders, you look good.

Blushing lightly at the complement Hinata ducked her head to hide her blush, twisting the silk of her lilac sheath dress in her hands until the sound of his footsteps faded away.


Hiashi laid still in the infirmary, his dark hair streaked silver with age, deep grooves, darkened around his eyes and his form looked frail. Frowning she stepped closer to the bed. White pillow, white sheets, white duvet. She looked away, realizing the bleached room was just that, devoid of any other color. She sighed settling herself into the plush white chair by her father's bedside.

"Would you believe this is the exact bed I woke up in after the event? She looked on at his still form and frowned bowing her head to hide her tears. Father, her voice broke, I-"

Hiashi coughed, startling her out of her seat. "Yes, I remember, because I am the one that placed you there."

You never told me.

There is a lot I've never told you Hinata And now I find myself filled with regret, as I am not sure that I will have the time to tell you all of it.

Father, please don't-

I am being poisoned Hinata.

She froze father how can we-

He lifted a frail hand to silence her. I have known for quite some time; though, without proof, I was placed in a position where revealing that information meant possibly insulting the council. If you remember anything at all, let it be that the power of king requires the support of the council, the tradition of your elders and a blessing from the Gods.

Hinata bowed her head, Luminosa smiles on you my child, but I must remind you that with light comes deep shadows.

She nodded taking in his words. Reaching out, she grabbed a glass of water from the air and leaned forward to press it to his lips. He chuckled softly "that was your mother's favorite charm,"

He took a sip before continuing, you do look so much like her. His eyes drifted away from Her form. Hinata panicked "Father!"

He turned then to look at her and continued without pause, you remember the story of the Fire realm don't you?

Yes, the kings of the flame joined forces with the large tribes to seal away a beast, the beast that remains in the control of the Uzumaki.

Hiashi nodded his head, "ah, that is what they teach you in class, But I shall now tell you the truth.