A/N: Wow this chapter took forever! This is my longest chapter so far! This is my tenth chapter, and also we are having a 3000 hits party! Dances very badly Now, I know I promised you the ball for this chapter… but I need this fast foreword chapter to take place so you know where everyone stands. Oh, and sorry if Kiba sounds very OOC but im sure you wouldn't very happy if you were him either!

Thank you SO MUCH! To all my reviewers! I got the most ever for my last chapter! And I finally reached one hundred reviews! SO another reason to celebrate! Thank you to: Day dreamer X, Furlix60(I love your story), Strapplekim, xShYgIrLx, IamTehKatz, itstehchiciness, PhoenixTears95, x.Diamond-tears.x, EerieNightfall, Anima 189, anuimeguurl (She returns!!), Cloud Envy Shikamaru, Chi the turtle, Axbel, Title and Registration, Nibinlotwen, Stefania9, KibasGurl.

Probing Shadows

The castle had a gloomy appearance today. The normal sun that shined warmly though the window to tickle Kibas face was now gone. Replacing it was the crashes and flashing of thunder. Kiba thought it was suiting for this time. Everyone's walking pace seemed to drag a little today.

Kiba had always called him Uncle Ryo, although he supposed he wasn't even his uncle at all. He was this mother's cousin, which made him Kiba's second cousin. Uncle Ryo had the title of a Duke, he had lived in a much smaller castle farther to the north until the passing of his wife seven years ago. He had moved to the capital six years ago when he needed better medical attention.

Kiba had always thought of Uncle Ryo as a very old man. He hardly ever left his room and when he did, he moved very slowly. The Duke had always loved sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air. Whenever Kiba had gone to visit him in his room, he would tell Kiba stories, grand stories about the kings of old and about dragons and any other mythical creatures. Kiba's favorites were the ones about wars against opposing nations.

After Kiba's father's passing only Uncle Ryo was able to get Kiba to emerge from his hiding place. Kiba could remember that day clear as day. His father had gone out in inspect his troops. Kiba had only been eight years old.

Kiba could remember racing his sister, Hana, down the hall to the foyer. Suddenly they heard a horrible sounding howl from the thrown room. Hana and Kiba exchanged a terrified look. They had never heard a noise like that ever in their life before. Their excellent hearing told them something most people would not even notice, it was their mother's howl.

They ran down a few corridors and up the huge staircase that lead to the thrown room. They both stopped in front of the huge double doors. They were afraid of what would be on the other side. Kiba gulped and raised a shaking arm to the door handle. He clasped in and with all his strength began to pull on the door. Kiba felt another pair of hands help him open the door. He looked over his shoulder, Hana looked just as scared of what was on the other side as he did.

They had barely opened the door a few inches when the doors swung open knocking Kiba and Hana sideways.

"HEY WATCH WE-" Kiba cut off when he realized who it was. Kibas Mother, She had tear marks all over her face. Her eyes were red and puffy. Her mean looking wolf, Kuromaru, couldn't keep the sadness from shifting into his uncovered eye.

"Mommy, Are- Are you crying?" Hana asked naively.

Their Mother gave them both a look that was meant to be a stern motherly scary bull dog kind of look. It came out as more of a sad puppy look. Hana stood up and walked over to her mother and hugged her leg. "What's wrong mommy?"

Kiba was staring wide eyed at his mother, he couldn't move. It wanted to know the information that had cause her pain, but something told him, it would pain him too. He forced his small legs to support him as he walked slowly over to his elegantly dressed mother.

Kiba looked up to his mother, his eyes were big and innocent, they would never, look the same again, and she knew this.

Tears began to stream from her eyes as she manages to choke out, "I-Its your father he-" She gulped, "He was a-attacked." She took a few shaky breaths.

Kiba pulled out of her embrace looking at his mother in horror, she didn't need to say it, he already knew. He started shaking his head, "No, no, no, NO!" He cried his voice breaking on the last protest.

Kiba's mother lowered her head in defeat, she couldn't look her son in the eye any longer. "I'm Sorry." She whispered.

His eyes widened. His father, his beloved father… How could he? His strong, lighthearted, good, father. An emotion over took Kiba, he wasn't quite sure what it was, sadness or anger? No, it was both, both at the same time. It was all too much, too much. He needed to run, to be free.

Kiba saw his Mother reaching for him she grabbed his hand, "Kiba, listen to me."

Kiba wrenched his hand from her grasp and ran. He ran as fast as his feet would carry him. He had no idea where he was going. All he knew was the pain deep inside him. His father, the king, he was gone, never coming back, gone, forever.

Kiba wiped his eyes as he ran, Crying is for babies.

Eventually Kiba found himself outside. He couldn't remember how he got there, but there he was, under the gloom of the clouds that were unleashing torrents of rain upon his small figure. Kiba could care less. He needed to go somewhere, somewhere safe.

Kiba shook his head pulling himself out of his thoughts, He would not think about that. Today was about Uncle Ryo, not his father.

Kiba heard a sharp knock at his door and quickly wiped the few tears that had managed to escape from his eyes before gruffly calling, "Come in."

Kiba was surprised when he saw Hana swiftly enter his room. Her eyes were red and puffy, she looks just like the day o- He cut himself off, No, you can't think of that.

She walked over to her brother and bowed her head slightly; he did the same in return. She reached up and brushed a tear off his face. He looked down ashamed of his weakness. She gently squeezed his hand and he looked up.

"Why did this happen?" He asked, his voice was barely above a whisper. Suddenly, Kiba was no long sixteen, he was five and looking up at his big sister for guidance.

She shook her head, "I wish I knew." Her voice cracked on the last word.

Kiba turned away from her and returned to looking out the widow. "Why has any of this happened? Why is it that every time something good happens to me tragedy follows after?" He whispered furiously. Kiba wasn't really talking to Hana any more but more to himself.

"W-What do you mean Kiba-Kun?" Hana asked tentatively. Kiba hated the how sensitive her voice was. He was used to her voice being hard and forceful. He was used to her being his bossy older sister, but today she sounded broken.

Kiba shook his head, "You wouldn't understand." He muttered turning around to leave.

Hana caught Kiba's arm in her iron grip, "Try me."

Kiba sighed and sat down on his bed, he wasn't the kind of touchy feely guy who could sit and blubber out all of his problems to someone.

Hana sat down next to him, "What's bothering you?" She asked, her voice was harder now, stronger, as if Kiba's problems washed the sorrow from her.

Kiba sighed and brought his fingers threw his hair. "Well, let's see… One of my closest relatives just died, I'm being forced to stay in this hell of a castle, I'm being forced to go to this ridiculous ball, I need to get married in a couple of months, in a year I'm going to be king, and to top it all off I-" his voice broke off.

Hana looked at him encouragingly, "You…what?"

"You promise not to laugh?" He asked his sister.

She nodded, "I promise."

Kiba took a deep breath, "I-I can't stop thinking about this girl I met." He muttered blushing furiously while looking down at his bed quilt.

Kiba looked up and saw his sister screwing up her face trying hard not to laugh. He glared at her though his brown bangs. His face was going even redder, to a shade of maroon. It seemed that the look was too much for her. She busted out laughing.

Kiba stood up quickly, "See? I knew you would laugh! Why did I even bother telling you?" He yelled, reaching for the door handle to leave.

"Kiba-Kun! Wait!" Hana called standing up and running over to him, "I apologize. It's just…I never thought I'd see my baby brother, in love."

Kibas eyes widened and his cheeks burned with new intensity. He spun around, "I am NOT in love." He whispered furiously, with each word he backed her further and further in his wooded dresser.

She seemed afraid for a moment and then looked down, saddened. "You shouldn't be ashamed. I would die to be in love." She murmured. He froze, if it wasn't for Kiba's excellent hearing, he never would have heard her.

"…What…?" He asked suddenly the anger that was previously in him was flushed out.

"You heard me." She sniffed looking anywhere but Kiba's gaze.

Kiba shook his head in confusion, "But, you get to marry anyone you wish. Mother has never forced yo-"

"That's because there hasn't been a treaty that's needed signing yet, Kiba-Kun!" Hana yelled, her voice was full of spite.

Kiba kept staring at his sister, confusion wracked his face.

Hana looked down, "You're the male heir. So you will become king. Princesses are always given to other countries, as a peace offering, or as a way to keep an alliance. It's just the way it works Kiba-Kun." She had tears in her eyes, when she looked him in the eyes, "At least you get to choose." She whispered.

Kiba shook his head, "No, I won't let that happen to you Hana-Neechan."

She smiled slightly, "I don't think it's up to you." She commented, looking down.

Kiba laughed, "Hana-Neechan, I'm going to be King. I think I might be able to pull it off."

Hana half smiled, Kiba could tell she was holding something back. She wasn't telling him something, but he decided not to press her on it. He saw her look out the widow.

"We better get going before we're late. " She said simply. Kiba offered her his arm and they walked out of the room together, heading for the bleak funeral.

…………………

Hinata was exhausted, it seemed as if the last eight days had passed in a blur, most of the time she was with Maggie. Staying late to work on her speech, coming early for help with her dancing. She was more dedicated than Sakura and Tenten combined. Something made her want, no need, to be better. Maybe it was to impress Naruto, Or maybe its to impress you know who…

Hinata shook her head, she had no chance with him. He was the prince. But he tried to kiss you… Hinata shook her head and kept walking on her way home. It was dark, and Sakura and Tenten had left a long time ago. Hinata was used to this, it had been this way for a little over a week.

She sighed, the ball was tomorrow night. One day before I see him again… Hinata was almost vibrating with excitement. She couldn't wait.

The last week and a half had been spent learning everything necessary to make them blend in with all the other high-class women at the ball. Maggie worked the three of them very hard, Tenten had taken to calling her a slave driver behind Maggie's back. They would arrive early in the morning and spend nearly twelve hours a day, relearning almost everything: how to walk, how to dance, how to greet a person of lower class, how to greet a person of higher class, how to stand, and in Hinata case, how to speak.

Even though Hinata's stutter would never be completely gone, she could now mask it. She had to speak slowly though. Hinata remembered what Maggie said, "Just don't speak much, alright dear?" Hinata sighed, she was a failure. Even she knew that.

Suddenly Hinata eyes grew wide as she heard a swig snap behind her. She quickly turned around, nothing. She shook her head, laughing at herself. I'm going insane.

Hinata picked up her pace, she was only a half-mile away from home, she could make it. The hairs on her arms prickled and she turned again, nothing.

Hinata was almost running now, trying to get away from what ever it was. Maybe it was nothing, or maybe, it was an attacker. Hinata let out an aggravated noise, why hadn't she let Tenten teach her more self-defense?

Her eyes widened in shock when she felt something furry sweep by her leg. She was about to open her mouth to scream, but the wind was knocked out of her.

Hinata found herself on her back, she couldn't make a noise she was so shocked. She felt something warm and wet on her face, Hinata was afraid to know what it was. She turned her head to the side and found a huge white canine was lapping up her face

Her light eyes widened even more, if that was possible. This is the prince's dog, Akamaru? She looked up at the dog and sat up crisscrossing her legs. She tentatively raised a hand and stroked the large beast.

The dog panted and leaned in to her touch, she smiled, "H-Hello, Akamaru." Hinata cursed herself for her hesitation. She guessed her shyness would never leave her.

The dog barked softy when she murmured his name, "W-What are you doing here?" Hinata questioned the animal.

She knew it couldn't respond but he seemed to understand her. He nudged his face sideways, in the direction of the royal palace.

Hinata gulped, Had Kiba sent him?

Akamaru tilted his head sideways and looked at her curiously. She felt like he was searching for something in her eyes, as if judging her or something. She felt awkward under his gaze, she started playing with her fingers uncomfortably.

Akamaru then barked happily and nuzzled her leg, as if he had decided in her favor. She rubbed behind his ear and he panted in affection. Then she felt Akamaru's body tighten up. His ears perked up and Hinata watched as his upper lip curled and he let out a menacing growl.

Hinata slowly stood up and began to back away from the large creature, afraid she had done something wrong. She felt fear bubbling up inside her, she was suddenly very much aware of how large he really was. He could rip me to shreds if he really wanted to…

With out warning, many things happened at once. First, Akamaru suddenly bounded forward and grabbed her arm in-between his two pairs of incredibly strong teeth. The funny thing was, Hinata didn't feel it at all, she should have been terrified and ripped her arm out of his grasp, but just then, she was too preoccupied with what she was seeing, rather then feeling.

A hooded figure was holding a knife, right where her head had been moments ago. Her white eyes widened with terror as she saw a flash of sharingan under his hood. He raised the knife again, this time pointing towards Akamaru. At the same time, Akamaru had flipped Hinata onto his back, where she grabbed a fistful of his white hair and buried her face in his neck.

He let out another low growl and arched his back. Hinata shut her eyes tight, only concentrating on holding on. Then suddenly, Hinata heard a soft, swoosh, and looked up to see the hooded figure was nowhere in sight.

Hinata was too scared to move from the canine's back, she was acutely aware that they were moving. Her eyelids began to feel heavy, it had been much too long of a day, but her eyes shot up when she realized they had stopped moving. Slowly, she raised her head. She recognized her surroundings. They were back in the Hyuga property near the barn, where she had first met Akamaru.

She tentatively got down from the dogs back and smiled, "Thank you." She whispered patting is nose.

He licked her cheek playfully in response. Then he turned and began to run in the opposite direction, probably back to Kiba…

She shook her head in disbelief, What just happened? Then suddenly she heard footsteps behind her and felt arms wrap around her. "Oh!" She cried in surprise.

It was Tenten. She was probably out for another nightly practice, "Hinata! I was so worried! Are you alright?"

Hinata looked Tenten up and down, her leg was fully healed now. Hinata had no idea where to start. "W-Well, I w-"

"WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR ARM?" She yelled almost too loud. Hinata shushed her and tried to hold her arm away, but it was no use. Tenten had grabbed her arm and was staring at the bite marks.

Akamaru hadn't bit her too hard, she had barely felt it, but it did leave a mark. She could see the small holes that wrapped themselves around her upper arm. Each one had a small bit of dark red fluid dripping from them.

Tenten cursed, "You looked like you got mauled by a wolf!" She exclaimed.

Hinata pulled her arm away from Tenten and rubbed the back of her neck. "W-Well… I-It wasn't a wolf…."

………………………

Kiba wrestled with his thoughts, the ball was tomorrow night. This was his last night of freedom, he should be out enjoying it. Instead he was stuck inside feeling horrible. His whole room was pitch black, except for one pale sliver of moonlight. He sighed, exasperated and stood up.

The last few days had been horrible, innocent people were dieing everyday. Kiba slammed his fist to the wall in frustration, "Five more." He hissed, his voice was full of spite. People were being murdered every day and he couldn't do anything.

Each person was some how in line with the thrown. The highest ranked was The Duke, Uncle Ryo. They thought he was first because of his rank, the attacker needed the element of surprise. Two days later and then they killed one more, this time it was an elderly nobleman. After which, one more died every day, even after safety measures were taken.

Even the kingdoms brightest minds couldn't figure it out, but Shikamaru had figured out the pattern of ranks. Each one dead was in line for the throne, one way or another. Kiba now had extra security around him. At least one knight was at Kiba's side at all times. This made for very embarrassing bathroom trips.

At this moment a snoozing Naruto was standing post by Kiba's bed. Kiba was sort of glad Naruto wasn't awake, he would rather be alone at the moment.

Kiba was also upset because Akamaru was nowhere to be found. He frowned, it was unlike Akamaru to run away. Well, at least run away without Kiba. If Kiba had his way, he would run away and find his friend right this moment, but escaping was almost impossible. There were two guards outside his door, and three standing on the grounds below his window.

Kiba dragged his hand through his dark messy hair. He walked over to the full-length mirror in the corner of his room. He looked at himself and was almost shocked at his appearance. He looked like a ghost. He was very pale, except for the dark bags under his eyes. His eyes were blood shot. He felt something wet on his face and looked up to see if there was a leak in the roof, there was none. He turned back to the mirror and realized the wetness was coming from his own eyes.

He shook himself and looked away from the mirror, unable to look at himself anymore. He made his way to the window. Most of it was covered in planks, to block any form of entry, or exit in Kibas case. There was a small hole in the dark panels, he could see something white shining through. Suddenly a sense of calmness came over him.

He closed his eyes and heard a soft soothing voice in the back of his head. Don't worry Kiba-kun, everything is going to be alright. Kiba thought he was crazy, but he believed the voice.

Go to sleep Kiba-kun. Everything will be fine. Kiba nodded, and slowly made his way back to his huge, soft bed and gently rested his head on the pillow.

Good night, Kiba-kun. Kiba smiled and silently drifted into unconsciousness.

A/N: Woo! The end of the chapter! I promise the next chapter will be the ball… or getting ready for the ball…something ball related! Shifty eyes

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