Hello hello everyone. First of all, lemme apologize for the long wait. It has been a ridiculous time for me with a lot of personal things going on in my crazy life that unfortunately kept me away from finishing the chapter.
But now that the dust has settled a bit and I FINALLY have my bearings again, I plan on posting every other week to every 3 weeks. That will give me enough time to make sure I don't rush the chapter, especially considering the very first chapter will be the shortest of them all. If there happens to be a delay, the wait shouldn't be long. Especially not like this.
By the way, a special thanks to my big sister for offering to read my chapters before I post them. I have a bad tendency to leave behind grammatical mistakes, so with her help I should be able to cut that down to a minimum to none.
Another thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed the story and favorited it. They are a huge motivation for me and I appreciate the love very deeply. 3
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto its characters. Only this plot.
Chapter II
From The Masquerade
...
"Invisible threads
are the strongest ties."
- Friedrich Nietzsche
...
The snow had grown thicker as giant flakes drifted from the sky onto the grassy floor, reflecting off of the shimmering moon as it did so. Its luminescent light had spread throughout the land, giving everything it touched an ethereal look about it. The trees, the small bushes that littered across the ground that was once green with life, and every living thing was frozen and covered with snow. It gave the land a certain calmness that could only be held in winter. The sweet sound of nothingness paired with the delicate falling of frozen water created a stillness that only this day seemed to carry.
A stillness in the midsts of chaos.
But that stillness on this night was not without the insinuating sounds that emitted from the castle walls within the Hyuga lands. Lights flooded from its windows and men stood guard as the sweet bustling melody of merriment rang cheerily throughout the night. Men bound to serve and protect their Lord and its occupants stood watchful as the sun completely dissipated from the sky, leaving the moon in its place to lay light in its stead.
Pale eyes watched the soft display before her, her back to the crowd that so eagerly barged into the castle with promises of gluttony, lust and as much wine as their bellies could afford to consume. She heard the loud laughter of drunk men as loudly as she heard the deafening quiet in front of her, the dissonant sounds contrasting in her ears.
Body rigid, her fingers traced the small patterns etched into the glass goblet that she held so gingerly. The tips of her sleeves almost touched the cup outstretched from her small form. Her golden dress from earlier was replaced with more festive attire, giving away no modesty in the change. It had the boldness of a deep yellow that was littered in small designs coming from her mid dress towards the hem, with orange flames cascading downward and growing until aligned at the tip of the dress, a fire pit of orange laying at her feet. It was dramatic. It was bold. Both represented who she was from the inside, out. Even her brown tresses flowed freely from braids that were wound from the sides and tied together behind her head. Every piece of hair was kept in place and her presence demanded dominance.
But tonight, she was in no mood for dramatics. Nor was she bold enough to enjoy the night freely. No. She was on edge from the moment she woke this morning. She would receive the same ominous feeling deep within every year when this day would transpire.
The wine she cradled in her hand found its way up to her lips as the liquid fell into her mouth, numbing her body as it went. Its warmth took away the void that was settled in the pit of her stomach for only a short while, until she found herself giving in to a another sip.
"I see you've found a taking to the wine tonight."
A twitch of her lips almost gave away the smirk that threatened to form.
'Of course he finds me..'
She turned her body to the side as she looked upon her guest. His eyes bore into hers with intensity as he stepped up, eyeing the younger girl in front of him. His tall stature towered over hers easily in the short distance he held from her, mere feet from her, cascading his shadow passed her silhouette.
Eyes as hard as ice, he stood firm, seeming frozen place. He wore white attire with black stitching within the designs and cuffs that laid at the hems of his pants and shirt. The Hyuga insignia laid sewed upon his tunic with thin blue thread. She could clearly see that he bore a thin layer of mail armor underneath it all. A black cloth was simply wrapped around his forehead, laying beneath the small hairs that escaped his low ponytail. The hilt of his sword showed proudly above its sheath, gleaming against the gold upon it. Hyuga gold; expensive and resting upon steal that could cut a man down with one true swing.
Hanabi looked away from the hard gaze of her older cousin and instead made her previous scene her feign of interest. The disappointment that ran through his features caused the void to shift uncomfortably in her stomach.
"I am a woman, Neji, I can drink if I want to." As if to prove her point, she threw her head back and downed the remaining contents of her goblet, earning a glare from the tall man. She rolled her eyes at him, thinking her sudden drinking habits shouldn't be his concern right now.
"This is an important night. You need to be within your wits." He snatched the glass from her hands, effectively raking her nerves as she turned around fully to face him, arms crossing over her chest as she did so. Her eyebrows raised at his statement.
'Important?' Hanabi felt an ugly amount of disdain for the respect his words showed towards today
She stared at him for a moment, biting her inner cheek, biting back the retort she readily held on her tongue. Her eyes drifted to the festivities behind Neji where everything from ale to rum was being passed around then back to the man himself. She was on her third glass of wine, effectively diminishing the filter she typically tried to maintain. She didn't want to deal with him tonight.
"And why in the world would I want to be sober on this day, Neji?" Noticing that his hold on her goblet was loose, she snatched it back, holding it close to her chest. He reached back out in a feeble attempt to grab hold of it once again, but she already took a step back and edged away from him. She moved to walk pass him, another glass of wine calling her name, before he grabbed hold of her upper arm.
Annoyed, Hanabi glared daggers up at Neji, his eyes once again boring into hers.
"What?" She spat.
Neji's grip tightened around her arm, his lips pressed into a thin line. His eyes left hers for a moment, staring down at his hold on his cousin. Frustration coated his insides like honey until it was all he could feel. Truly, he knew not what to say to her. He had no way to express what was running inside of him, and it irked him more than he would like to admit.
the importance of this festivity he could not express, no matter how much it pained him to participate.
Neji was a man of quiet intimidation. He was a man bound to the sword as his Lord's guard, sworn to give his life to his uncle and cousins until the day he died defending them… But that was the problem. He had promised an oath to serve and protect.. It was an vow he had kept…but always seemed to break on this day…
An oath he has never, in fact, held true to his dear cousin...
Hanabi waited, her annoyance building with each passing second. She could see the conflict in his face, but compassion wasn't her companion tonight, nor was understanding.
"Neji.."
Her voice was tight as she called his name. He looked up at her. He could hear the tension she carried in her tone as she commanded his attention.
"Tonight is my sister's…your cousin's birthday." Neji looked away again, but Hanabi was having none of it. She took her free hand and reached up to grab his chin, forcing his face to fully look into hers. His audacity to come to her about her wits would be answered.
Hanabi made sure she had his attention before continuing.
"Every year, I sit and watch my father torture my sister for being born a bastard. A bastard he created because he decided to fuck a vampire. And every year, it gets worse.."
Her voice cracked, tears burning behind her eyes like fire. But she held firm, refusing to cry on this day. If Hinata could be strong, so would she.
"And every year, on this day, like every single day, the men who were sworn to protect my family fail her."
Neji tensed considerably, his eyes hardening.
"Hanabi."
"Every year I watch you sit by and break your vows. Every year!"
"Hanabi."
"You do NOTHING while Hinata is tortured! You've never protected her! You're supposed to be her shield!"
Taking Hanabi by surprise, Neji forcibly yanks her around to face him fully, rough hands painfully gripping her arms. Her anger was temporarily suspended and replaced with surprise.
"What do you think-"
"Do not speak to me as if I do not care." The steel in his tone caused a shudder to run down the younger girl's back, but it didn't subdue her. No longer caught off guard, Hanabi contracted her muscles and straightened herself as best as she could. Her eyes narrowed at the identical pair, matching the intensity that radiated off of him.
"And do not speak to me as if your actions have proved otherwise."
It was a small blow, but it was enough for Neji's hands to loosen up a bit, giving Hanabi enough room to snatch herself away from her older cousin. She patted down her sleeves and looked upon her cousin, her temper rising at his outburst.
"You think that because you do not beat her yourself, that you are any better than those cowards you call comrades?" Her words were dipped in venom and thrown across the balcony in contempt. Maybe it was because she had wine in her belly with no food to keep it from affecting her senses. Maybe it was the fact that her cousin had the audacity to lecture her when he himself was at fault tonight. Or maybe it was the fact that she was exhausted. Tired of watching her most precious person suffer...
Neji's eyes widened slightly before they tightened, indignantly.
"You would call me a coward?"
Hanabi took a step forward and looked up at Neji. She stopped in front of his chest and took his face into her hands. Her eyes searched his for a moment.
"Neji... even a coward has standards." Her hands dropped from his face as she took one last look at him, turned on her heel and reentered the festivities.
He stood there motionless in the wake of her retreat, his eyes following behind her disappearing form. They trailed behind her until he felt a pair of eyes on his self, glancing beyond his younger cousin, only to be met with the searing stare of his uncle.
The pit of his stomach gave an uncomfortable twist as he matched the gaze that sought his.
XXXXxxxxXXXX
"Hinata?"
Hanabi knocked on her sister's chamber door before entering, the door already slightly ajar. Hinata faced away from her as she sat in a wooden chair, a young servant woman tending to her hair.
"I'm right here Hana."
The soft voice of her sister chimed quietly within the room. Hanabi, with her goblet in tow, walked over. Sitting in front of the large window that rested on the side of her chamber wall, Hinata watched the night sky. Her white eyes found sparkling lavender ones as she sat down on a chair closest to her. Hanabi's gaze traveled over her older sibling, and she couldn't help the swell of pride that overwhelmed her at how beautiful she was.
Hinata's lovely shoulders were bare as her dress started at the base of her chest, showing only slight cleavage before it incased her in white and lavender with brilliant silver sewed on the linings encompassing the small details of the fabric. Her sleeves undulated to her finger tips, flaring out at the end. The dress clung to her and flowed from her body with ease. Thought Hinata sat in stillness, she could see how elegant she was. She knew when her sister would stand she would glide across the floor with ease.
Everything about her was perfect... Well, almost everything.
"What are you doing?" Hanabi's voice was harder than she intended it to be, but she couldn't help it. She stared at the way the servant had pinned up her navy blue locks into an intricate bun in the back of her head, hiding away her beautiful long locks. The girl stopped her movements at the abrupt tone, freezing in place. She darted her eyes up at her Lady.
"Lady Hanabi.."
"Move."
She stood from her seat and gently maneuvered her way towards her sister, lightly pushing the servant from her position. She placed her goblet atop the vanity that sat to her right, littered with small jewels and metals fit to decorate the head of any Lady. There were so many options. Sapphires, rubies, diamonds... Small golden and silver chains to wrap around the head; clips with glistening, intricate designs and flowers littered the vanity top.
'Seems like father is going all out..'
The thought made her nauseous. Her eyes stung slightly as she stuffed her feelings aside forcibly and gulped down the lump in her throat. Gritting her teeth, Hanabi forced herself to stay calm. As calm as her sister was...
"I'll take it from here. Leave us."
The sounds of feet shuffling and the closing of the door sounded behind Hinata as Hanabi poised herself behind her, already taking down the young woman's work. Mutely she let loose the silver pins from her hair and allowed beautiful strands to simmer down.
Hinata could feel the weight being lifted from her head and sighed in happiness.
"They always put your hair in these stupid chignons." Her little sister mumbled. Hinata couldn't help the giggle that erupted through her chest as she raised her hand to her mouth.
"Hanabi, it's fine. Really."
Hanabi grunted in response and continued her work until finally the last strand fell into its natural place. She placed her hands behind her hair and let it flow from her finger tips, its smooth surface soft to the touch.
"They never do it justice. Idiots..."
Hinata interrupted the urge to shake her head as Hanabi started picking through the various trinkets, placing them against her hair and dress. She eyed the colors and tone of the jewelry to determine whether or not she deemed it fit. Watching from the corner of her eyes, Hanabi sighed as she set down yet another piece she disagreed with. Her fingers traced over the dainty pendants gingerly, then placed them neatly back with the prized stones.
She waited for a few moments as Hanabi struggled to make a decision. Suddenly, she felt wetness. Her hand came up to her shoulder and touched the tears that lightly splashed on her skin. She shifted her body slightly to the right to gaze upon the face of her younger sister. Hanabi struggle to stifle her tears as she attempted to focus on the jewels, standing there intently.
Startling her sister with a modest touch, Hinata took hold of her hand. Hanabi jumped from the sudden contact, and gazed down into her eyes. Hinata removed her sister's hand from the vanity and peered down at the options that laid before her. She scanned the contents for a moment, taking in the colors ad textures.
It was almost funny to her, as she looked through her options in order to decorate her hair. She was never treated in such a way, never deemed fit to bestow beautiful things nor to dabble in the luxuries her family did.
But for once a year, there was an exception. It was an ugly exception, but an exception all the same.
'Lucky me..'
Hinata's eyes stopped when she spotted something in the back of all of the jewelry set, hiding in plain sight. It was a small collection of red gems. She narrowed her eyes as she reached out to snag one from its place, bringing it closer to her face as she inspected it.
It was as small as the tip of her pinky as it lay incrusted with diamonds on its surrounding angles. A metal material attached itself to the gem to form a clip on the back of it, giving it the ability to hold onto her hair. The diamonds sparkled brightly against the candles that were lit throughout her room, giving the already ethereal look an even more entrancing perception. But that was the least of her attraction to the small piece. It was the color of the gem itself.
'It's darker than a usual ruby.'
This blood red gem held a black tint, giving a true vision of the liquid that flowed inside her. The thought made her insides clench as her body reminded her that she was need of blood. The irritating pang of pain stung at her insides as she fought to keep it in place.
Clenching her teeth, she turned her body slightly towards Hanabi and grabbed her hand once again. She placed the small trinket in her palm and looked back on the vanity top. Hinata reached out again and grabbed a few dainty chains and a few black gemstones before putting the contents with the red stone she gave her sister.
Her eyes finally looked back up to Hanabi's, who's gaze never left hers, as she encompassed the selected trinkets.
"Put these on." Hinata lightly commanded. Hanabi stared at her sister for a moment before clearing her throat, forcing down the lump that rested there. She blinked back the tears that were flowing freely by this point, and turned her attention back to the task at hand. She took the other red gems and started to maneuver around navy blue locks.
Hinata waited patently as she sat still, feeling her sister twist and contort patterns into her hair before using the selected jewelry. It wasn't long until Hanabi was finished with her work, her nimble fingers making the process a quick one. She took a step back as Hinata finally stood from her chair, turning around to face her sister in full view.
Hanabi gasped as she looked upon her...
The candles reflected off of her as the jewels that were entailed into her hair gleamed. A few braids were made on either side of her hair just before her long bangs to intertwine in the back, coming together to form one larger braid in the middle, flowing with the rest of her hair as it fell down to her forearms. The small silver chains were wrapped into the braids, the black and blood red gems tracing around it.
She looked... She looked so...
'Angelic.'
Tears welled up in Hanabi's eyes as she took a step forward. She couldn't stop them from falling as Hinata glided over to her.
"You look radiant Hina." Hanabi choked out before completely loosing her composure as Hinata stepped into her and wrapped her arms around her.
Loud mangled sobs could be heard throughout the chamber as her younger sister cried into her, expressing everything she felt without a single word.
Terror.
Rage.
Hurt.
Hinata heard it all. She could perceive her sister's heart beat from the very moment she came close to her chamber. She could hear the blood rushing to and from her heart with unease. And she could feel the strain it took for her to try and be strong.
And for that strength, she was grateful.
Hinata waited until Hanabi wrung dry and was calm enough to quiet down before gently pushing her shoulders away, holding her at arms length so she could take a look at her. Her face was flushed and her eyes were puffy. It had been so long since she had seen her sister vulnerable like this...
"Hanabi. Listen to me."
The smaller woman looked up. Hinata tried to force a small smile, but all she could manage was a grimace.
"I-I don't know what will happen tonight..." She paused. "Tonight is not going to be like the other times.."
Hanabi blinked at her statement. The implication that something was off its kilter tonight was a very...accurate statement.
"Today is an important night. You need to be within your wits."
As Neji's statement from earlier rang in her head, she no longer disregarded it.
This night.. This day.. It had a different feel to all together. The entire evening held an air of unease. Those who wore armor and shielded the castle from danger on stood tense, their hands constantly steady over their hilts. The blundering men were small in number compared to the companies usually in attendance. They did not seem their commonly lax selves.
For the first time since the sun had risen from the darkness, Hanabi ignored her emotions to this rationally.
Usually, on Hinata's birthday, her father would host a gathering of Lords and Ladies to discuss military and political debate. It had become a yearly custom for the Hyuga. Though the visit would entail meetings, afterwards they would end the night with an array of food and drink. The festivities would be quaint, but the allowance to drunkenly blunder would be enough from every man there. Every brothel would be filled to the brim with their guests by the end of the night if they weren't either passed out drunk or causing annoyances for the servants. The attendants would be a wide variety; opening the doors to every high born political power of the human realm, ranging from the Yamanaka House to the Queen herself.
No matter who came from year to year, it always had the same ending.
Hinata...was a different matter within this entire masquerade. Lord Hiashi would order she look the part of a Lady as far as appearances went. She would bathe in warm water with hand made soaps and perfumes to drench any dirt and smells from her body. She would dress in fine silks and wear the finest jewelry that were well beyond her reach; luxuries she was never allowed to partake in normally. She was even allowed to take part in drinking; it was something she found herself indulging in consistently.
For once a year, Hinata was allowed to look like the Lady her birth never allowed her to be...
How she was treated during these times...was a whole other matter. A whore would be regarded with more respect. After all was said and done, after her father had his fair share of wine and her cleared the castle... After the beds in the brothel were full, he would summon Hinata to his chambers.
Her sister's screams would forever be imbedded into her mind.
"I can feel something Hanabi... Something strong is coming."
Hanabi tilted her head in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean..." Hinata sighed. How could she explain what she sensed, of what she felt deep inside her core. She was going off instinct, giving her no solid evidence that anything she said had any type of merit. She knew better though.. She knew what she was.. As much as her father engraved into her head that she should throw away her birth given abilities, she couldn't ignore them this time... Something was in the air and in the aura of the people around her. She truly couldn't explain it, but she knew something was wrong. This strong something was giving her a headache as horrible as when her anger ebbed to the point of her veins popping parallel to her eyes. Even now her was throbbing the more she concentrated on the source.
It was an unknown response her body gave her, something she wished she could understand..
"What I mean Hanabi, is that this year will be different..."
Her eyes casted downwards.
"Father is setting something up... I can feel it. There's something in the air." She looked back up into her sister's eyes. "Theres something coming into this castle Hanabi, and father knows it. Whatever it is, I need you to promise me something..."
She grabbed hold of Hanabi's chin and held it firm, making sure she was looking in her eyes. Both of them stared at each other for a moment, allowing the tension and uncertainty to flow through them both in a whirlwind of emotion.
"Whatever you see... Whatever you hear... I need you to be strong. Do not intervene."
"But Hina!"
"Hanabi!"
She yelled out before she could stop herself, but it got the effect she wanted. Hanabi shut her mouth and stood silent, tears still continuously falling from her glassy eyes.
"Do not. Intervene."
Her soft voice was strong and sturdy, so unlike how it usually was. Hanabi swallowed, watching the strength within her older sister shimmer.
She knew what she was doing. She knew that whatever was planned was not going to be pleasant... She needed her younger sister to be strong for her. She needed her strength...
Hanabi straightened her back and wiped her tears with the back of her wrist, erasing all evidence of her outburst. She put her hands over Hinata's that still held her face.
"I promise."
XXXXxxxxXXXX
The bells rung heavily in the air as the announcement of guests rang loudly and boisterously into the night sky. Guards stationed all around the castle that hosted the House of Hyuga stood ready as the large party of Lords and Ladies, along with their personal guards and small army, passed through the main gate into the stronghold. They passed by villagers and soldiers alike who either stood fearfully in their homes or angrily in the streets.
The guest army and guards bore no armor, nor held a single shield.
And yet, they were never touched or harmed. Nothing was thrown at them nor was a single insult carried through the air. Adding to the already serene scene of this sanctuary, they brought a dark quietness to the peace that was once amongst everyone.
Not even their footsteps made a sound. The only noise was the soft pattern of horses walking through the trail of snow upon gravel, shifting through the frozen water ever so quietly for a beast as large as them. Their hooves maneuvered toward the box stalls meant to house them in these cold conditions, hay and water ready as torches stood lit at the entrance.
Neji rode his horse, with four other of his Lord's militant following his lead, as he came towards the large group that awaited their Lords to exit their mounts. His mount slowed as they approached the larger group, bringing his horse to a halt once he was right upon them. They turned their attention to his presence.
He watched patiently as the last of the mounted descended their horses, black cloaks shrouding their backs as they climbed down. Gracefully, they landed in the snow as unison, rising fully once they were steady. Their tall, broad figures turned towards their greeters, allowing their hoods to fall from their faces and reveal their identities. Two sets of black eyes bored into white ones.
Silence cascaded into the surroundings for a moment, allowing the unease to settle it.
Itachi stared at the man on the horse, eyeing the suspicious figure with calculating thoughts as he watched the Hyuga eye him as well. He sat tall and proud, baring the white tunic with the Hyuga House symbol embedded proudly into it underneath the fur cloak that kept him warm from the cold around them. His brown hair fell flat upon his back, pulled back only slightly to bare the black cloth that he knew would hide the mark every slave and servant bared to show allegiance to the Hyugas.
"Neji of House Hyuga, I presume."
Neji stepped off his horse and walked towards the men in cloaks, the men behind him automatically following his lead. They walked through the snow and stopped in front of the crowd before them. He halted before Itachi, keeping a small distance between the two men.
"King Itachi, Lord of the Vampires. Welcome to our home."
"Thank you for having-"
"You are to address him by his full title."
Neji briefly shifted his focus to the minor individual, his attention moving from one pair of onyx eyes to the next, his height barely standing beneath the Vampire King. He looked identical to the man he stood next to. But his eyes were different. They bored into his with a deeply emotional intensity, a fire matching his own intensity.
"Lord Sasuke." Neji, stiffening with anticipation, acknowledged the younger brother. On more than one occasion he had met Sasuke in battle. He had baring witness to the savage, viciousness that this vampire had brutally executed on his people. On this night however, he stayed his twitching hand from his greedy sword.
Neji received no reply as Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
"He name, is King Itachi..."
His black orbs trailed passed Neji to the humans behind him, enjoying the way he could hear the fear in their blood as they eye him with suspicion and hate.
"Lord of the Vampires, Protector of the Vampire Realm, and most importantly..."
His eyes locked back onto Neji's, capturing their attention. How he loved to toy with this man in his own home..
"Slayer of Men..."
Every human that stood behind Neji and around them stiffened immensely. The tension in the air intensified as pulsating heart beats defend Sasuke's ears.
He almost smirked at their pitiful reactions.
'They should be thanking us for not slaughtering them all.'
He turned his body slightly from Neji once he felt his King's eyes on him. Sasuke glanced over towards Itachi, his intense gaze giving him warnings to silence himself.
"Lord of Darkness."
He didn't care.
Sasuke, annoyed, shifted his attention back to Neji, a controlled acrimony plastered on his face.
The men behind Neji all had hands ready on the hilt of their swords, their fingers twitching as their commander's usual cool demeanor broke from its place. The vampires standing behind the Uchiha brothers tensed slightly at the increased atmosphere.
Itachi stepped forward with one hand up, refusing for this to go any farther.
"My apologies, Lord Neji. It seems my brother has forgotten himself." Itachi looked back behind him towards his young brother once again, who merely rolled his in return. He sighed mentally, understanding that Sasuke would indeed not make this night any easier than he planned it to be.
'Always so stubborn.'
"Indeed..." Neji looked passed the two and scanned the crowd, for anything distracting, trying to cool his already rising temper. He focused his attention anywhere but the damning vampire that he had the misfortune of dealing with tonight.
He needed to be unflappable..
A dawning realization hit him as he scanned the crown before him.
"I see you did not come alone."
Itachi nodded. No, he did not come alone. He might be seeking peace, but he was not blind enough to trust his new found allies just yet. He turned his body slightly to the right, facing the figure that stepped up besides his King. Fury red hair emerged from the hood of a young man, one no older than the younger brother of Itachi. His eyes opened to reveal sea foam green as deep as the ocean itself, and just as penetrating. Dark black bands encompassed his eyes, as if he had never slept a day in his life. He stepped forward, his dark aura pressing into Neji as he got closer. He stopped a foot from him.
His eyes looked him up and down once, looked to his King, and back again to Neji again.
"Gaara Sabaku, House of Sabaku and Lord of the Sand."
His voice was as grainy and rough as the land he lived in. Two other figures stepped behind him and unhooded themselves.
"Lady Temara Sabauku..." A young woman with dirty blonde hair and cactus green eyes approached along with an older young man with sandy brown hair and curious face paint stood tall behind their younger sibling. "...and Lord Kankuro Sabaku."
'The Siblings of the Sand..'
Another figure, much taller than the others, took a step forward, and stopped just behind his King. Neji wondered how he didn't notice the near giant as he came into view, blue skin and a face reminiscent of a shark. An unbridled shiver flowed down Neji's spine as the fisherman bared his needle-sharp teeth.
"Kisame of the House Hostigaki, member of the Vampire Council, and the charge of the King's guard."
'Akatsuke.'
Neji pointedly avoided Kiame's intense gaze as he nodded curtly to the entourage.
"You brought others."
Itachi raised an eyebrow at the skepticism he could clearly hear, feeling the erratic confused symphony of human heart beats. He could understand his uncertainty. He didn't only come with company, but he entered this human threshold with warriors that had horrifically tore down their people by the masses in the past wars.
He commented. "Surely you didn't think I would step foot on this land without precaution...and delegation."
"Of course not."
Neji looked back to his men for a moment before turning on his heel.
"Let us escort you to the main grounds."
XXXXxxxxXXXX
"Are you ready?"
Both young women stood at the giant double doors, standing side by side as they scanned the entrance from top to bottom. Hyuga guards stood before them, waiting to receive orders to open the doors.
Hinata would try not to show it, but she was fearful. Terrified even.
Her stomach growled in hunger as her nervousness made the growing pains worsen, eating away at her insides as her body demand she replenish it.
Again, the night's enigma over powered her. And her hunger for the life giving crimson didn't make things any better.
"Daddy no!"
"Hold still!"
"Daddy please!"
Her mind exploded with flashes of her horrid memories of this day on years past.
There's so much blood...
Every year it got worse.
Everything aches...
Annually, she puzzled if this was the night to end it all and repay her wretched father for the years of torture. Her clarity that the time was finally upon her rocker her being.
The pounding behind her eyes started up again. She couldn't tell if they were tears trying to escape as she forced herself to outwardly seem calm, or her veins readily trying to protrude once more.
Hinata grabbed her sister's hand, tightly interlacing their fingers until they were conjoined as one. She needed Hanabi's strength more than ever..
She pensively engrossed herself, taking in this last bit of peace. She absorbed in the smell of burning candles that littered the castle, creating a slight smokey tendril that always calmed her senses. For an exquisitely brief moment in time, she allowed herself to take in the serenity of being merely hungry.
Hinata looked to the doors, saying goodbye mentally to her small escape.
"I am."
Hanabi nodded to the guards. She gave Hinata one last spare glance before the doors opened and the light of the festivities could be seen clearly.
Giving each other's hands a squeeze, they both entered the hall where it was littered with drunk men and flirtatious women. Food was served by the pounds with dishes laying on tables that held everything from fruit to turkeys. It was massive and allowed the Lords and their men to devour as much as they could. Wine, rum and ale was passed around, endless cups being filled to the brim in their gluttony.
Chandeliers held up hundreds of candles, giving the room an immense glow.
At first, unnoticed, the two strode in smoothly, avoiding men too drunk to stand properly as they fell about themselves. They walked quickly until they found the room growing more quiet. With each second that passed, they slowed their footing until finally, every festive sound and activity was put on pause.
Hinata stood in the center of the room for a moment, frozen. Tables and tables of men who's eyes suddenly turned to her caused the blood within her to turn into frozen rivers. Their eyes, either burning with hatred or greedy with lust, bored into her skull. The women in the room looked upon her with disgust as they turned their noses up and sneered behind their hands.
She searched the crowd until eventually she saw the head family's massive table that sat before the entire hall, chairs placed behind it so that their occupants may face the crowd. Her father sat in the middle, his stature tall and demanding, even when sitting. To his right, sat his wife.
Slim, pale and brown hair that grew to her mid back, the woman was the perfect picture of a wife to a Hyuga Lord. Hanabi's mother was what Hyuga trained their women of high class to be. Subtle, quiet, and most importantly, non-defiant. She had given birth to Hanabi not even a year after her mother had been killed. The Lady kept her distance from her, so Hinata never got to know her step mother; only that she was frightened of her.
Her father stood from his seat, commanding attention without speaking a word. His eyes bore into hers as he took her in. Out of every heart in this room, his rang the clearest in her ears.
To her confusion, her fathers's heart, which in the past had beat at an aroused shimmy for the evening's escapades, was now frantic and convulsing like an earthquake. Her eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. She found herself looking passed him for a moment, retaking in the entire room until her eyes landed right back to her Lord, realizing another anomaly...
'Neji's missing...'
"Hinata."
His voice rang clearly and loudly. She lurched slightly at the sudden call, earning herself a chuckle throughout the room.
"Come."
His demand was simple. Hinata looked at her sister, gave her hand one last squeeze and walked to the front of the room. She could feel anticipation in everyone's blood as she glided by, making her own nervousness intensify. Fingers grazed her body as she continued on. Her eyes cast downward as she tried to keep herself from the grubby hands of the men around her. It only seemed to encourage them for the closer she got to Hiashi, the bolder they were.
The murmers and laughter seemed to increase as a hand found its way on her lower back side. Hinata jerked her body away, trying to reach her father as quickly as she could. Another grabbed for her arm and as she yanked away for the second time, her feet caught within her dress and the next thing she knew, her face was connecting with the stone ground as she toppled over.
By this time, the whole room was erratic with laughter.
Eyes burning with tears that began to form from the back of her eyes, she gritted her teeth against the embarressment. She slowly picked herself up from the stone floor, feeling a small trickle of blood flowing from her nose. She wiped the contents with the back of her hand as she stood erect.
She looked up then, at the man that stood from the table in front of her. Disgust and disappointment marred his features. Her eyes shifted downward, her cheeks becoming flushed.
Hiashi raised his hand, causing another silence. His eldest started to shuffle her way towards the table to her regular seat, head down and hands clasped. She noticed Hanabi making her way to her seat next to her mother, another goblet in her hand as she threw herself onto her chair, spilling some of the contents on the table. Anger flashed across her features as her eyes rested on the table in front of her. Hinata walked towards her sister, ready to finally sit away from the men around her.
"No." She heard the command and paused, looking to her father in bewilderment. He gestured his hand to the seat next to him, one normally occupied by Neji during social events when he wasn't posted to guard his Lord.
Again, an uneasiness settled in her as she turned around slowly and walked passed the head of table and around the wooden furniture until she was at his side. Nervously, she took the seat, eyes plastered to her lap.
Hiashi waited until she was fully seated to address his people.
"Brothers...sisters... We come together today in celebration of...my daughter's day of birth."
Drunk men were hushed from yelling out curses at the mention of Hinata. She bit her lip as she listened on.
"But on this night, we also welcome a newfound ally."
Suddenly the massive doors to the hall were opened as Hiashi spoke his words, as if conjuring the visitors themselves. Hinata looked up.
'Neji...'
Her cousin strode into the hall, his walk firm as he lead a group behind him. She stared at him as he lead the sizable amount of newcomers into their hall, his eyes staying steady.
And completely avoiding hers.
Her eyes traveled from her cousin to the ones that trailed behind him, and immediately her throat constricted.
Eyes wide, she stared at the guests in awe, momentarily forgetting herself. She traced over every single vampire that walked into their castle, unbelieving that her father would ever willingly allow them to enter their home. Every single one of them were hooded, top to bottom, most of their faces covered from plain sight. But she didn't need to see their faces to know that they were vampires, she could feel it in their presence.
It was as if they floated into the room, with graceful steps so light you could barely hear them. Hinata focused on each one, having not seen a vampire since her own mother's passing.
Her heart beat faster as each came to a halt, her blood rushing so rapidly she could barely hear. Her hands clammed with sweat sitting as still as she could, refusing to allow herself to react outwardly. She watched as the cloaked vampires all came to a halt behind two regal individuals who stopped before the main table. She couldn't see their..but she could feel them.
Her eyes closed for a moment as she concentrated, allowing her senses to reach out beyond. Feeling every heart beat and pumping vein within the room, each had its own pattern; its own flutter. But throughout the noise of the room, as if they stood right over her, she could feel them.
Two, strong, identical heart beats. Stronger than any other she has ever come across. She could feel the harmonious rhythm that synchronized between loudly in her being, encompassing her senses until it was all she felt.. And all she heard. Her small hand traveled up to her own heart as she felt hers start to beat in rhythm with theirs.
'Strange...'
The sound was so serene, so pleasant, that she almost forgot where she was.
Almost.
"King Itachi, Lord of the Vampires, we welcome you, your brother, and your brethren into our home."
Hinata's eyes flew open before she could stop them.
'King...?!'
Her eyes darted over to the two leaders of the group that stood behind Neji and jumped at seeing them both staring right back.
Breathe caught in her throat, as if a sheep at the slaughter, she froze.
'Brothers...'
Two pairs of black onyx eyes stared into lavender ones, eyeing the woman that sat as rigid as wood upon her seat. She felt as if she couldn't move as they pinned her down with their gaze. Their concentration was uncomforting, as if they were staring at her naked body. Hinata felt the need to cover herself but sat firm, making fists into her hands so tight that her nails dug into the palms.
'Compose yourself!'
Itachi's gaze looked upon the young woman that sat next the man he came to see. His eyes stayed on hers, as did Sasuke's. The brother's did not move, nor did they blink.
You can feel when someone studies you, unseen. That instinct that is...unwavering. Within a vampire, it was much more...invasive. Itachi could feel her scrutinizing his blood as if she was openly searching, trying to get a closer look.
He felt her presence like a magnet, an energy that sought him out without truly knowing what it was looking for.
It felt...personal.
Her eyes were closed when his drifted onto her, forgetting momentarily about his host. Walking into a human dwelling, only to be sensed out as soon as he walked in was unexpected to say the least. But as he found the being that looked upon him, that looked for him, he couldn't help but to keep his eyes on her. He couldn't help but to look upon the woman that so easily stood out from the rest.
Navy blue hair as deep as the midnight sky... Pale skin as bright as the moon and as ethereal as the glistening snow. Delicate features that traced her face, as if she was hand crafted to encompass innocence.
She was concentrated, her eyes moving behind their lids rapidly, as if searching.
He considered the way she suddenly paused, and lightly brought her hand to her heart. His own suddenly stuttered for a moment before falling back to its rhythm, causing a warmth to enter his chest.
Itachi's eyes left the enchanting woman for a moment to glance at his brother, and to his surprise, Sasuke was staring too.
It was unblinking and unwavering. Sasuke stared into her lavenders orbs, caught off guard by their presence. Caught off guard by her...invasion.
His eyes narrowed, taking in this female that dared to sense him out. That dared to even look his way...
"So..." His voice was low but rang loudly throughout the quiet hall. "This is the bastard that I was told you hid away." The words rolled from his tongue before he cared to hold them back. He looked at her face, at her hair, at her skin... It sickened him. All of it. The fact that he was surrounded by his enemy. The fact that they were here to talk of a peace that was pointless from the start. The fact that he had to be in the same room as a half breed, an abomination of his species.
All of it.
The comment slapped Hinata out of shock, effectively reminding her that she still indeed was the outcast in this room, even compared to them.
Her gaze fell from the two beautiful men.
Itachi shook his head at his brother. He looked to Hiashi, who's attention was still on them but only for a moment. He noticed something, after giving what he presumed to be the man's daughter the slightest attention. Hiashi's attention would slip from them only briefly to look down at the girl before him, and couldn't help the slight curiosity at the expression on his face.
"Thank you Lord Hiashi. Though... I am surprised, that you didn't invite your Queen to your home, due to my attendance.. Actually..."
He looked around, confirming his suspicions. He didn't need to, but it brought the physical effect he wanted.
"You seemed to neglect inviting any of the Lords or Ladies that reside near or within the Land of Konoha."
Hinata's was stunned as she took ing. They darted around the room, taking in the residence of the hall once more.
And he was right...
The King of Vampires was attending this meeting, and not a single Lord or Lady that represented anyone besides the House of Hyuga resided. At this she started to observe the gathering with new eyes.
From her studies of current politics, and considering how much gossip flew through these walls like wildfire, she could easily pinpoint the Lords that accompanied him. She could see the attendance of House Sabaku, and a full attendance no less, presenting the three siblings that ruled their castles within the Land of Suna. Not only that, as her eyes traveled, they stopped on blue skin and a tall stature. His appearance was appalling, but what really caught her attention, was the red cloud that was specially shown on this man's cloak.
'He brought an Akatsuki member...'
It was then she realized why her instincts were flying off the charts earlier. These were some of the most powerful vampires that have ever lived. They didn't come with numbers, but they came with power, something far more dangerous.
"And I see that you did." Hiashi replied, his tone hard from the observation. "And some of your highest Lords I see."
"That I did...did you expect me to come alone?"
"I expected that you would see that you don't need such protection."
"And I expected that you would see that small precautions would be understandable...especially when peace has just come upon us."
"Peace that you asked for."
"And that you didn't."
The air was heavy for a moment. It was the first time since that first day of the treaty that Itachi had seen the man who so willingly threw away the prospect of no longer shedding blood. He knew then that this man was no ally, which was why he was here to begin with.
Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer.
Hiashi's fists clenched, barely keeping his composure together. The rum in his belly agitated his normally well put together stature. The irritation towards this King robbed him of his false pretense before he paused. Taking a breath, Hiashi looked to his guests. His eyes drifted back to his daughter for a moment.
"Tomorrow, we will gather to discuss...future terms. But for tonight, eat. Drink. We are...celebrating."
"Celebrating?" Itachi's eyebrows rose. From his knowledge, they were only here to debate their alliance.
Hiashi looked to Hinata, eyeing the way she looked to her kind.
'Her kind...'
Another bout of anger flooded through him.
"Yes...my daughter's day of birth is on this day... We celebrate her life..." He looked back to Itachi. "And remind her of the life she took on this day.."
A large lump formed in Hinata's throat.
'What is he doing?'
His steps were slow and deliberate. Her heart rate quickened immensely as she listened to her father walk over to her. She jumped slightly from her seat once his hands landed heavily on both of her shoulders. He squeezed the muscles that he touched, causing her to bite down on her tongue. She tried not to make a sound as he squeezed harder, making her teeth bite even harder.
She tasted blood in her mouth as she did so, preferring to hold her tongue then to let the man behind her hear her cry out..
The group that entered the room smelled the sweet scent that suddenly wafted through them.
Itachi found Sasuke's gaze who returned his own, recognition confirming that he smelled the same scent. The young King watched the scene in interest, at the way tension thrived between the two relatives before them. It was like looking at a lion playing with its prey...
"My King..." The raspy sound of Gaara could be heard behind him. He looked over at the red head who's face betrayed no emotion towards the display. "Maybe we should allow these humans to celebrate while we...retire."
Itachi nodded his head, understanding his train of thought... Aside from being here in the first place, the entire atmosphere screamed more than hostility. It was...darker. The flowing of liquor and hatred was a toxic combination. Nothing good could come of this current endeavor..
As Sasuke awaited for the exodus proclamation from his older brother, he allowed himself a glance at the deflated bastard, obviously enduring painful tugs by her human father.
"No..."
Sasuke's eyes snapped up to Itachi, slightly baffled and disconnected by his brother.
"We shall dine with our new allies.." Itachi faced Hiashi fully, ignoring the perplexed glance he received from Sasuke. He instead focused on the surprised look that formed on the girl's face before him, and as she dared to glance back up at him.
Once again, he felt her search for him. For his beating heart that stood so close to the one that searched for it...
"Good."
Hiashi gave Hinata one last yank, earning him a squeak from her smaller form as he finally let go of her sore shoulders. He walked over to his seat and sat before the Vampires in his dwelling, but not before looking upon his daughter again.
He saw her attention trailing back onto the beasts that entered his home. He couldn't help the burning hatred that would continuously flood his belly as he watched his abomination.
Watched the illegitimate one that he wish he could deny.
The bastard that he would make sure would suffer for her birth.
'For you... Emiko.'
Boom! That is Chapter 2 for you guys! Again, I am super super SUPER sorry for the extremely late post. But that's what happens when life hits hard hm?
Anyways, I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I put a lot of love into this.
Read, review, and enjoy!