a/n:
here I a again, updating! I thank you all again for the wonderful reviews! 94... TT^TT oh, I feel very happy! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! *Bows*
Oh, I often forget to mention that this story will more or less contain 35 chapters. ^^ Some will be very long chapters, like this(6000 and above words), and others would be standard.(4000 words)
Here's chapter 11~
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN KHR.
Chapter 11: The Punishment
"Hn. I shouldn't have underestimated you, Maeko." Domon said in a deep voice as he kept on dodging the thunder attacks that Maeko's summoned spirit was creating. "But… unfortunately, you are not strong enough to defeat me!" he then summoned another dark spirit that made a barrier to shield him, and then it all reflected the thunder back to Maeko and her spirit.
Maeko, who was badly injured already from the fight, mustered her speed on her knees to be able to get out of the range. The thunder spirit did the same, but unluckily didn't get away from the other dark spirit. The dark spirit stabbed a huge claw right through the thunder spirit's chest, and in a moment, the poor spirit faded away.
The head priestess crouched on the ground as she held her staff to support her. 'This is not good. Domon defeated all the spirits I summoned… But all he had summoned are two dark spirits. The Spirit of the Dark Sword, and The Dark Reflector… what must I do to find his weakness when my light doesn't work on him anymore?' she thought. 'There's no other choice… I must try to use a light magic again.'
Maeko stood up from her spot, ignoring all the wounds she had gotten from the battle and focused her power to her staff. She silently spoke Spiritual spells again as she closed her eyes.
"Oh? Another light magic? How many times do I have to tell you that your light doesn't work on me anymore?" Domon commanded for the Dark Spirits to attack her at once and they flew towards her direction.
Before her enemies could get near her, Maeko opened her eyes and a very great light shone from her staff that distracted her enemies. The spirits were stunned for a moment and she used the opening to throw a paper talisman on them. The talismans landed on the black creatures, and then Maeko raised two fingers down her chin and shouted, "Kieru!" The paper talismans illuminated and paralyzed the dark spirits and in a blink of an eye, they disappeared into thin air.
"Hmmm… Impressive." Domon muttered. "No one has been able to make my favorite spirits vanish before. But it's still a waste… I can summon lots of spirits any time I want." He took a dark paper talisman from his pouch and then threw it to the air. As it flew to the enormous light coming from Maeko's staff, he mouthed a spell that made his talisman absorb all the light until nothing more of it came from the priestess.
"You're already weak, Maeko. No matter what spell you use, it's pointless." Domon said and then lots of other spirits came out to attack her. Black flames engulfed and formed a circle to trap her in the middle, and then black vines came from the ground to wrap her arms and legs. The dark creatures floating in the air stared down at her and were laughing maniacally.
Maeko tried to struggle, but the vines separated her staff from her. The more she struggled, the more the dark vines absorb her strength.
"You have wasted the opportunity I gave you to join our clan for one last time. Now, you will regret it." Domon said.
"I will never ever regret rejecting your offer!" Maeko still managed to shout.
"You are still strong-willed. That is one of the traits I loved about you…" Domon chuckled, "But… as you know who I am, I show no mercy to my enemies."
"Laugh as long as you want. But I wonder how long you will be able to." Maeko stated. "I have seen our futures yesterday, Domon. I knew that this would what exactly happen to the both of us… and I know what exactly Masayo will do to the Hyuga clan and the sacred priestess!"
Domon crossed his arms over his chest, "Even if you knew, you will not be able to do anything about it."
Maeko formed a malicious smile. "You're mistaken."
Domon frowned, "What do you mean?"
"I found out… I found it all out last night as I was praying under the moonlight! When I cursed Masayo in an attempt to kill her a long time ago, Masayo casted a curse on me to not be able to foresee the sacred priestess's future accurately! But, last night… I was able to destroy that curse… I was able to clearly see it all." Maeko said. "All this time, I was mistaken of who would be able to protect Hinata-sama, but now… I know very well his real identity. Even if Masayo could kill Hinata-sama… she will not be killed! She will live… and soon… she will be strong… SHE WILL DELIVER YOU TO YOUR DEATHS!"
"Shut your mouth, imbecile!" Domon shouted. "I do not trust your abilities! You have seen a wrong future!"
"Oh, really? You do not believe the Head Priestess's ability anymore?" Maeko said sarcastically, "You and Masayo might have gotten a Shaman's eternal power… but Shamans could still not have the ability to foresee the future! I care not whether you believe me or not. But one thing I am sure… The time will come that the Kurogami clan's existence will entirely be erased from this world!"
"Silence! I do not want to hear your voice ever again." Domon was flared up in rage as he stepped across the dark flames to stand before her. "My sister will succeed in her plans… we will be unstoppable and those who get in the way will vanish." He hissed and pulled a dagger out of his sash. He controlled the vines to wrap themselves around her tighter, especially on her neck. "This will be your doom, Maeko. You will feel all the sufferings I've encountered for all these years because of you… YOU WILL PAY FOR ALL WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO OUR CLAN!"
Before Maeko could move, she felt the sharp dagger stab through her skin, all the way through her heart. Blood spitted out of her mouth as she looked up in the blue sky.
I accept my destiny, God. I deserve to face a brutal death. I have no regrets to die for Hinata-sama.
She thought to herself.
Domon didn't stop on stabbing her. Blood now stained his decent clothes and stained his clean hands. He sliced her flesh for all he wanted.
Maeko could not feel her body any more. This was her death, and she would fearlessly accept it.
Shinra… Rika… Head Monk, Ike… Tomoyo… I leave the rest to you. Please, do everything to protect Hinata-sama. And Kurama-sama… I leave Uzumaki Naruto under your hands.
"Is that why you kept on… pushing me away?" Naruto finally had the courage to speak after moments of silence. He held her shoulders and pleaded for her to look back to his eyes.
Hinata's tears kept flowing like a river. She looked at his hurt expression… and it made her feel worse. That was the very first time she saw Naruto wear such a sad and painful expression on his face. All she could do was nod weakly and close her eyes.
Naruto's hands slumped back on his sides numbly. He didn't know what to do. Everything in his mind was spinning crazily and he couldn't think well. All he knew was… Hinata was engaged. The person he loves was getting married.
"… The wedding… when is it?" he asked in a shaky voice.
Hinata bit her lower lip and clutched her hands tighter. "T…Tomorrow…"
Naruto felt another painful stab in his chest. He thought that everything would be fine now that they knew what they felt for each other. He could handle her father; he knew to himself that loving the Hyuga heiress would not be easy. He was determined to prove himself that he could be rightful to the Hyuga Head's daughter. But… Hinata being engaged to someone else? He never thought of that. And now, he was taking it hard.
"Why… Why didn't you tell me sooner?" he said. "Why did you have to hide it from me?"
Hinata tried her best to stop sobbing. Her eyes partly open looking at the ground. "I… I couldn't…" she gulped, "I tried to but… it was so painful. I couldn't tell Naruto-kun because… it was hurting me so much. I'm sorry…"
Naruto felt bad upon hearing her reply. He was selfish… why didn't he think that Hinata was the one who was taking it the hardest? She chose to push him away from her life so she wouldn't be able to tell it to him. She chose to hide it because she loved him. She chose to bear it all to herself.
Why did this have to happen to them?
They both loved each other. It was already clear. But, why do unexpected events continue separating them?
"Who is he? Who are you engaged with?" Naruto said. "Tell me… who is he?"
Hinata felt her throat become dry. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Just how could she possibly tell him that the one whom she will marry is Uchiha Sasuke? Naruto's teammate. How could she just tell him that?
"Can he protect you? Is he from some noble family? Is he strong enough? Will he be able to make you happy? Will he take care of you?" Tons of questions came from him as tears threatened to fall from his eyes. Lastly, he asked, "Do you love him?"
With that, Hinata quickly responded with a solemn shake of her head.
"Then why? Why did you agree with this engagement? You don't even love your fiancé!" Naruto said, "We can work this out. I will help you talk to your father and tell him what you really feel. I will tell him that you and I both love each other and—"
"We can't do that, Naruto-kun…" she said in a weak voice.
"Why? Is it because you're afraid to stand up against him?" he asked, his voice slightly cracking up as he held back his tears.
"I have made my decision... All my life, I've been a burden to my family. I never filled their expectations and I know that all of them are disappointed in me… because I wasn't able to be a ninja and I failed as an heiress. My mother and father suffered too because of me… And I wanted to stop their sufferings. For once, I –I wanted to be useful to my clan."
"Even if it means not standing up for yourself? Hinata, you lived your whole life trapped in a cage. You don't have freedom because of them… you always obeyed what they ordered. It's time for you to stand up for yourself… It's time for you to have your happiness and freedom." He said.
"I'm really sorry, Naruto-kun… I-I already accepted everything." She said.
"No! I will not let this happen! I am willing to fight for you, Hinata… no matter what it takes, I will fight for you." Naruto said. Before he could continue, a magical mirror all of a sudden appeared out of nowhere.
Hinata and Naruto's attention were drawn towards it. Naruto instinctively stood in front of her to be ready to protect her from any harm.
To their surprise, a dazzling lady stepped out of the mirror. Long black hair and decent kimono; she looked like a Goddess. She was beautiful… but dangerous.
"There you are." Masayo said as the mirror disappeared. "I never failed tracking down your aura, Hyuga Hinata. And this is the very first time I've seen you in person."
Hinata felt shivers to her spine, "W-Who are you…?"
Masayo frowned, "You know me not? I couldn't believe that your mother and father didn't speak of me for all these years. I wonder how they were able to hide the truth from you." She said, "Well, I couldn't blame them. After all, I am the root of all your sufferings."
"What are you saying? What do you need from Hinata?" Naruto growled as he took a kunai from his pouch.
Masayo gave Naruto a cold stare, "You stay out of this, kid." She said and then turned back to Hinata. "For all you know, Hinata… I've been watching you all your life. Right from the moment Haruka-sama gave birth to you… during the days your father trained you to wield the Byakugan, and you becoming a huge failure of a Hyuga heiress. I was able to witness it all even in my slumber."
"W-What are you talking about? I… I do not know you…" Hinata said.
"I am just the head shaman of the Kurogami clan. For all you know, it is your clan's fault that we were erased from this world. You must be wondering what your family has to do with us shamans." Masayo said, "It's simple. Your father had committed a sin to all of us Shamans. He hid the whole truth to you… that you will be the one to bear all of your family's sins. Your soul was supposed to be mine on the night of December 27th, the date of your birth if Maeko didn't just interrupt and curse me. The head priestess planned to kill me with the curse, but I was too strong. She thought that I died but she was wrong… I was just put into deep slumber and I was still able to look after you because I could still feel your aura." She paused. "Now, that I am back to life… it is time for me to take your soul that bears the sin of your whole family."
"I don't really understand what you're talking about… I know you want Hinata dead… but I will not let you hurt her!" Naruto shouted and formed a cross with his hand, "Tajuu Kagebunshin no Jutsu!"
Hundreds of clones appeared in a puff of smoke and attacked the head shaman without hesitations.
As the clones dealt with the enemy, the original Naruto took Hinata to run away.
"Foolish ninja. Do you think I'll let you stop me?" Masayo muttered and then summoned undead monsters to defend herself from the bunshins. The monsters easily swept the pests away and Masayo could see that the real one was planning to take Hinata away. She immediately threw a Paper talisman towards Naruto's path and it formed a huge barrier to trap them all inside.
"Damn it!" Naruto cursed under his breath as he tried to look for another way out, but it was too late. They were trapped inside the barrier.
"What do we do, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked worriedly.
"It'll be all right. I won't let her get near you." Naruto said and then sliced his thumb with a Kunai. He formed several hands seals and then landed his palm on the ground. "Kuchiyose no jutsu!"
A puff of smoke appeared once again. "I'm counting on you, frog boss—"
But there was no signs of a Frog Boss coming out. Instead… two red and yellow small frogs came out.
"What is it this time, Naruto?!" Gamatachi complained.
"I'm starving…" Gamakichi said.
"Whaaaat?! Why did both of you come out?! Where's the Frog boss?!" Naruto shouted.
"Dad is called by someone else. Now, why did you call us he—" before Gamatachi could finish, black creatures flew towards them that scared the hell out of the brothers. "What the heck are those creatures, Naruto?!"1
Naruto immediately carried Hinata with him and leapt to dodge the creepy monsters. "Like hell I know! That Witch is after Hinata's life! I need help to protect her!"
"Hinata?" Gamatachi and Gamakichi somehow got away from the enemies. "Oh, she's the Hinata you were talking about! And you want us to help you protecting her… from THEM?!"
"Are you crazy? We're not like daddy!" Gamakichi exclaimed.
They continued running as Naruto kept on creating more clones to attack the monsters. "What are you saying?! Don't tell me you're going to leave me again?!"
"It's not our fault that your summoning technique is still weak! We're sorry but… we have to leave you, Naruto. We will die here!" Gamatachi said.
"Sorry, Naruto. Good bye!" And then the two small frogs disappeared into smoke.
"Damn… This is bad." Naruto whispered to himself. All he could do was dodge the attacks of the monsters for he didn't know how to defeat them. He didn't know what kind of creatures they were in the first place! The best he could do to counter them was throw kunais with explosive tags attached on them. Unfortunately, that still didn't work. And his clones weren't any help for him to attack the head shaman… the creatures she was summoning was too strong for him.
"This will lead you to nowhere, brat." Masayo said. "You will not be able to defeat me… and you will not be able to get out of my barrier." She rose a hand and made the monsters she summoned disappear, but a bigger creature replaced them.
In one sweep of its tail, all of Naruto's clones puffed into smoke.
"See? All of what you do is useless. You won't be able to protect the Hyuga. Just hand her to me, and I will let you get out of here. I have no interests in you." Masayo said to Naruto.
"Didn't I just tell you that I won't let you lay a hand on Hinata? I will protect her with my life even if it kills me!" He then produced one clone and opened up his right palm to concentrate his chakra on his hand. The clone helped molding his chakra and in a few seconds, a blue ball of chakra was forming on his hand.
"Naruto-kun…" Hinata said.
"I don't go back on my words… that is my ninja way!" He shouted and then the clone disappeared when the technique was fully developed. Naruto ran towards the head shaman with the ball of chakra in his hand.
"Impressive technique you have there… But… I will not let a brat like you get in my way." Masayo said and then signaled for her summoned monster to attack Naruto.
The huge creature ran towards the blond-haired Shinobi, sending beams towards him. A huge smoke formed as the beams came in contact with the ground and Naruto was able to dodge it all. He jumped up the air and aimed the ball of chakra on the monster.
"RASENGAN!"
The huge creature created consecutive beams from its mouth again before Naruto could land the technique on it. But its attack were useless for Naruto was able to get through those with Rasengan on his hand. The Rasengan was able to destroy the beams and let its wielder get through them easily. Soon, it landed towards the creature and a huge explosion occurred.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata shouted on top of her lungs.
"I-Impossible!" Masayo exclaimed as she shielded herself from the explosion. She was forced to dispel the barrier in order not to compress the impact of the strong power of the kid. What is this kid? How is he able to defeat one of my strong monsters? No… I won't let him get in the way… I've waited for this long enough… I won't let him destroy all of my plans!
Feeling her blood boil upon seeing that the shinobi survived, she took a paper talisman from her kimonos pouch and threw it towards Naruto in a fast speed.
Naruto wasn't able to react quickly when the paper talisman got attached to his body. All of a sudden, an electrical shock came out of the talisman and paralyzed his whole body. "AAAAAAAAARGH!" he screamed in pain as he fell down the ground.
"That's what you get for killing my pet." Masayo said as she walked closer to him. She stopped when she was three yards away and then she swung her hand to command the talisman to repeat the electrical shock again. This time, it was twice stronger and longer.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGH!"
When the attack ended, Naruto couldn't feel his body anymore. He couldn't move his legs and arms… and his whole strength was drained out of him.
Still, he didn't lose consciousness.
"Why… why are you still alive?!" Masayo shouted as she was about to repeat the same attack again.
"Stop it!" Hinata ran and stood in front of the head shaman with her arms raised side wards as if to shield Naruto. "Please, stop it already… Naruto-kun is already in pain! It's me whom you're after, right? Here I am so stop hurting Naruto-kun!"
Masayo smirked evilly at her as she brought her hand down. "You have guts to shout at me, young heiress. But, I admire your courage… Even if you know that you won't stand a chance against me, you chose to stand up for this ninja."
"I will not be afraid to sacrifice my own life for him." Hinata said bravely.
Masayo raised a brow. "Well, whether you sacrifice your life for him or not, I will still take your soul with me.:
"Hinata… no… run…" Naruto said weakly.
Masayo immediately took the young maiden and strangled her with one hand before Hinata could think of running away. The Head Shaman's eyes turned white as a violet aura flowed from her body towards Hinata's body. The seal on Hinata's forehead began glowing as she received an unusual energy from Masayo.
Hinata had felt this painful sensation in her body before. It was the same when she was in the forest when the Kumo ninjas kidnapped her, but this time, it was more painful. She couldn't describe the pain in her body anymore… it felt like her soul was being ripped apart.
"St… Stop it… Let go of her…" Naruto said in a hoarse voice. He screamed for his legs to stand up, but they didn't listen. He screamed for his arms to push him up, but they didn't listen. He screamed for his body to move and save Hinata, but it didn't listen. The only one he could command were his eyes… all he could do was watch her scream in pain.
"Tomorrow night… your soul will be mine, my dear." Masayo chuckled. "I can hardly wait…" she then released her grip around Hinata's neck and let her fall the ground as if she were a piece of junk. Afterwards, she summoned the mirror again and entered it to transport herself back to Domon.
"Hi…nata…" he tried his best to reach her hand, but he failed. He still couldn't feel a thing from head to toe. But he could still clearly see her. Pain was written all over her face and an unknown violet seal was glowing on her forehead. It looked like it was draining her energy… and her life. Her eyes were shut tightly for he knew she was bearing so much pain.
"No… Hinata… I'm sorry…"
A tear then rolled down Naruto's cheek. He felt mad at himself. He promised her that he would protect her with all his life… but what happened? He was immediately defeated by the Witch. He was not strong enough to keep her safe.
He was useless.
Just why… why did this have to happen to them now that they admitted what they really feel for each other? He'd rather see her get married with someone else than see her die. As long as she's alive, he could accept that she's not meant for him… but, seeing her die? Why does fate have to be so cruel to him? Most of all… to her?
"Hinata-sama! Naruto!" A familiar voice suddenly came. Then he was able to see Neji appear beside Hinata and taking her in his arms. "Hinata-sama, please, wake up! Naruto! Hang in there!"
"Neji… I'm sorry…" Naruto said in a low voice.
"Hinata!"
All of a sudden, Naruto heard a very familiar voice. But, he didn't expect to hear it in this place. Most of all, he didn't expect it to speak Hinata's name. Maybe it was just his imagination… or maybe his hallucination.
But, he was not wrong.
Even with his sight getting blurry, he knew that it was him. Raven hair, blue shirt and white shorts… and a certain clan badge was the design of the back of his shirt.
"Hinata! No… wake up! Hinata! Naruto!" He spoke.
With a few strength remaining in his body, Naruto mustered them to say one last word.
"Sasuke…"
And then after that, everything went black.
"No… this can't be… Darling, this can't be!" Haruka cried desperately as she was being embraced by her husband. Tears were flowing from her eyes uncontrollably.
Hiashi tightened his hug on his wife. "You are the Hokage of this village as well as the First Hokage's granddaughter. You are a medical ninja and you must know how to save my daughters!"
Tsunade bowed with her deepest apologies. "I apologize… but I do not have a cure for this mysterious illness. I was never able to study about the existence and spells of the Shaman Clan… Even a priestess wouldn't be able to heal Hinata anymore. The seal on her forehead… is far stronger than any seals I've encountered."
"Hokage-sama… are you saying that… there's no chance of saving my sister?" Hanabi asked as a tear rolled from her eyes.
Tsunade closed her eyes and took a deep breath before anything else. "I am sorry… but she wouldn't last after tomorrow night."
"NO! My daughter… she will be saved. Tell me she will be saved!" Haruka screamed and she tried to free herself from Hiashi's grasp to beg Tsunade, but her husband's embrace was too tight. "No… Hinata… Hinata… you will be fine, my daughter. You will not die! Mother is here… mother is here so stay strong… you will be saved! You will be saved!"
Tsunade turned the hands on her lap into fists. "I am very sorry. I will not be able to do anything to save or prolong Hinata'sa life." She said in her saddest voice as she bowed one last time. "I will be back tomorrow to check on her again… Farewell." She stood up from the Zabuton and left the Hyuga Family accompanied by Shizune.
When she was outside the room, she saw the Head Priestess's apprentice, Shinra. The young priestess bowed down to the Hokage before entering Hinata's room. Then the both of them had an eye contact, Tsunade nodded at her and then the priestess entered the room to check on the heiress.
"Tsunade-sama... Are you sure about this?" Shizune asked in a low voice.
"Of course, Shizune. I am always certain with my decisions. Now, let's go. We have lots to accomplish." Tsunade said and then walked at the hallways. Shizune quickly followed her master.
.
.
.
When Shinra entered the room, she had seen the worst atmosphere. Haruka was crying beside on the side of her daughter's futon as well as Hanabi, Hiashi was trying to support his wife and daughter the best he could and there laid Hinata, struggling with the seal draining her energy. Shinra never felt such a strong aura in her life, it was the same aura she felt in the forest. She knew it was from the Head Shaman… the one who killed her master.
"Shinra-neesan? You're here! Otou-sama, okaa-sama! Shinra-neesan is here! Nee-chan is saved!" Hanabi said.
Shinra looked at the young girl. She could also feel Masayo's energy flowing inside Hanabi. Wait… not only in Hanabi, but also from the servants of the household. Most of them had Masayo's aura. But, compared to Hanabi, it was weaker. It's like Hanabi and Masayo's life were connected to each other.
"Shinra. Where is the head priestess? We need her to cure Hinata at once!" Hiashi said.
Shinra knelt down and bowed at them. "My deepest apology, Hiashi-sama, Haruka-sama, Hanabi-sama…" she paused and took a deep breath before anything else. When she was ready, she spoke the words, "The Head Priestess is not with me… She would not be able to attend for Hinata-sama anymore."
"Wha…what are you saying?" Haruka spoke in a hoarse voice, "Please, we need your help… I know that the head priestess can heal my daughter… please…"
"The Head Priestess is dead."
This stunned the three Hyugas. Three heads all turned towards her.
"What do you mean? How could that be?" Hiashi asked.
"The Head Priestess… went to where she found Masayo and Domon. She fought them but… they were too strong for her. She died this afternoon…" Shinra explained briefly.
"Oh, God… why did this have to happen…? Why did Masayo have to come back…? Why can't she leave us alone?" Haruka sobbed. "How… how can we save our daughter…? I don't know what I'd do if she dies… I can't take it…"
Shinra bowed her head lower. "I am very sorry…"
"Please, stop saying that. Don't be sorry… No one should be sorry… My daughter will live… She will be saved so stop saying sorry!" Haruka yelled. "Hinata will live! I will not let her die… She will live a longer life than me…" she went close to Hinata and held her daughter's hand tightly.
Shinra chose to remain silent. All they could hear were Haruka's sobs and Hinata's heavy breathing as she slept. She knew that the heiress was trying her best to fight the curse… but it was useless. Nothing could stop the seal from absorbing her soul.
Hang in there, Hinata-sama… Your sufferings would soon end.
A new day has come. Today was supposed to be Sasuke and Hinata's wedding… but due to what happened yesterday, the wedding was canceled. Hinata was still on her bed, fighting for her life. But as it went longer, things got worse. They could all clearly see that life was slowly leaving her body. She was very pale as if there were no blood in her body at all. The brightness of her skin, and the light she usually wore on her face… it was all gone.
Sasuke looked down at the sleeping heiress. He felt very bad seeing her like this. He felt so mad at himself that he wasn't able to go to her when she needed his help most. He wasn't able to protect her from that shaman. He wasn't able to do anything to help her and prevent her from going through this pain.
"My daughter… she was such a good girl." Haruka spoke, "She obeyed everything we said and we didn't hear any complaints about how the elders treated her. She always thought what was best for the clan… and she was willing to sacrifice everything in order just to be useful to us." She paused and then placed a hand on top of Hinata's forehead. "She agreed with the engagement… she chose to sacrifice her own freedom just for your clan and our clan. She may not look like it… but she is very strong."
Sasuke agreed with that. Right from the moment he held her in his arms, he knew that she has been suffering so much for her family. But she could still smile after all that. He knew that she was very strong to be able to bear the pain.
"All I wanted was to make her happy… All I wanted was to… free her from her cruel destiny. I wanted to take away all her pain but… I wasn't able to do anything to protect her. Right from the very start… I wasn't able to protect her from Masayo." Haruka said.
"May I ask… who is this Masayo? Why is she after… Hinata's life?" Sasuke asked.
Haruka stopped breathing for a moment. That's right. They still weren't able to tell Sasuke about Hinata's story. About Masayo… about the family's sin… and about the curse. But, Haruka couldn't possibly tell it to Sasuke right now.
Hiashi then came inside the room. Tsunade was with him.
"Hokage-sama, I leave Hinata to you." Hiashi said.
Tsunade nodded as she entered. Sasuke and Haruka both bowed at her.
"Sasuke. Come with me. We need to talk." Hiashi said and then walked away. Sasuke soon followed him as he heard the Hyuga Head's command.
…
When both Sasuke and Hiashi were seated at the room next to Hinata's, Hiashi didn't hesitate to get to the point straightly. He looked directly at the boy's black eyes. "I am here to tell you everything about Hinata." He started.
Sasuke straightened himself and paid attention to the Hyuga Head. He's been waiting for this… there were too many mysteries surrounding the heiress, and it was time for him to find it all out.
"Back during the second world shinobi war, the Hyuga clan was tasked to eliminate the root of Shamanism, the Kurogami clan. I was assigned to be on that mission… and that's when I met Masayo and Domon. I hid my real identity and the fact that we are to eliminate them all. I got into the bottom of their clan and discovered their deepest secrets; and that's how we found out how to eliminate them. We succeed with our mission as the Second World War ended… but Masayo didn't easily give up.
She cursed my unborn daughter inside my wife's womb. She said that in the night of December 27th, the firstborn of the Hyuga clan will carry all the sin of our clan committed in her soul. Once my daughter is born, she will die and her soul will forever be trapped in Masayo's hands. But, with the help of Maeko, she was able to put a curse on Masayo also. That curse attempted to kill the Shaman and eliminate her for good… but Maeko wasn't able to completely save Hinata from the seal. Maeko was only able to weaken the seal's power so Hinata lived when she came out of Haruka's womb.
As the years passed by, she was well. Maeko has been coming to see her every year to check on her state… it was good for few years, but when she turned five, everything changed. That's when it was clear that Hinata isn't capable of wielding the Byakugan or becoming the next leader of the Hyuga clan. When the elders found out about this, they wanted to throw my daughter away. They wanted us to disown her for she bears a huge karma to our family… and I know that my daughter's life has been very miserable ever since she was born…
But, Maeko once said that there was a certain young man who can save her life. There were two young man willing to protect her. The one who can truly save her from her cruel fate, and the other one will be used to kill her. It was just several months ago when Maeko found out who will be able to save my daughter. And it was you, Uchiha Sasuke. That's the reason why I agreed with the elders' decision of your engagement. It was not only because we wanted a Hyuga-Uchiha heir… but it is also I wanted to save my daughter… I want her sufferings to stop. That's why when she met you, I was relieved… because I thought that everything would be fine for her. I thought that her pain would soon end… because you finally came to her life.
Sasuke looked down. But it didn't.
"Maybe… it really is the time for our clan to pay the price. Maybe it really is time for me… to pay for my sins." Hiashi lowered his head as he shut his eyes.
Much to Sasuke surprise, he saw a tear drop stream down Hiashi's face.
"But… why did it have to be her? She… she was just a child and she didn't have anything to do about my past and my sins. Why did she have to go all through this? Of all people, why her? Why can't it be me?" Hiashi sobbed.
"Why didn't I think of that Masayo would be back to have her revenge? Why wasn't I able to predict all of this? I failed my daughters… I failed my wife… and most of all… I failed my clan. Now, I won't be able to do anything to attack Masayo because she has the life of my clan members and she has Hanabi's life connected to her! In one snap of a finger, she could massacre my whole clan… and on top of all… she would have Hinata's soul." He slammed his hands on his thighs, "I'm a failure… I'm a failure as a clan head, as a husband… and as a father!"
This was the very first time Sasuke saw Hiashi break down. The clan head was always calm, composed, stern and emotionless. He was like a stone that Sasuke once thought that he never cared for his daughter at all.
Now, everything was clear… Sasuke was completely wrong about Hyuga Hiashi.
Time was passing by very fast. It was already early afternoon, and Haruka had not left Hinata's side since the maiden was delivered in her room yesterday. She was not yet even eating or drinking anything. She was beside her daughter all day and all night long like an insane lady… she whispered that 'she will be always there for her no matter what happens and that she will not let her die' every time she heard her daughter moan in pain.
"Hinata… do not leave mother alone, all right? If you did… I won't be able to forgive myself…" Haruka whispered as she stroke Hinata's smooth pale face.
Tsunade looked at the mother and daughter. Deep inside, she felt very sad that her heart was panging in her chest painfully. A loving mother and a sweet child… she couldn't believe that fate could be so cruel that it would even cross the line to separate them from one another. Haruka cared so much for Hinata, and Hinata loved her mother back deeply. But… why? Why does fate have to be hard on them?
All of a sudden, they heard a very weak angelic voice.
"Mother…"
Tsunade and Haruka immediately turned towards her with their eyes wide open.
"Hi…Hinata? My daughter…? You're awake?"
Slowly, pale Hyuga eyes opened. Hinata saw her mother's exhausted face and a lady whom she has never seen before.
"Who… is she… mother?" she asked weakly.
Tears flowed down from Haruka's eyes again as she stroked her daughter's hair tenderly. "She is our new Hokage, my dear. She is Tsunade-sama."
"Tsu… nade-sama…"
Tsunade smiled at her warmly.
A faint smile formed on Hinata's pale lips. "I… can hardly… believe it… I was able to… personally see our village's… Hokage." She said. "I'm so… happy."
"You're such a kind, girl… Hinata." Tsunade said.
"Thank you… very much." The maiden replied and then turned to her mother. "Mother… may I… request something…?"
"Sure, my child. Anything you want." Haruka said.
"May I have… a special paper… an ink… and a pen? I… wanted to… write someone a letter…" Hinata said.
"A letter?" Haruka asked.
Hinata nodded weakly. "Yes… mother… a letter of apology." She answered.
Haruka had a bad feeling about this. But, no. She didn't want to think of that.
"All right… I will ask a servant to find you the most beautiful paper, pen and ink. Just wait." She said and then walked across the room to the shogi door. Before she went out, she gave Tsunade a look. "I leave her to your care first, Hokage-sama." She said.
Tsunade nodded.
…
After a moment, Haruka was back. She had a servant bring a pen, an ink and a well designed paper for Hinata. The servant settled the items beside Hinata's futon and then was dismissed when she was done with her job.
When Hinata saw the things she wanted, she mustered all the strength left in her body to sit up on her futon. Tsunade and Haruka quickly acted to support her.
Hinata's actions definitely surprised Tsunade. Even in that pain, the maiden was still able to move. It was unbelievable.
Hinata slowly got out from her bed and went to the pen and paper. She slowly reached out for the pen with her shaky hands and dipped it to the black ink. She tried her best to endure the pain… She tried her best to be able to write her letter of apology. She knew herself that she wouldn't last very long, so she didn't want to waste more time.
With all the strength remaining in her body, she wanted to finish the first and last letter she will be able to write to the person whom she loved most.
Her letter of love and apology to Uzumaki Naruto.
The full moon shined brightly in the cloudless sky. A gentle breeze flew by in the village, and it was usually peaceful for all the villagers. It was an ordinary quiet day in the hospital… until a certain ninja woke up.
"Let go of me! I need to get out of here, dattebayo! I need to see her!" Naruto shouted as he tried to get away from the nurses' grasps. He was back to his orange tracksuit, prepared to leave the hospital for good. He's been asleep for a day because of the damages he gained, but due to the Nine Tails' powers again, he was good as new.
"You still need to stay in bed, Uzumaki-san! That's what the doctor said!" a nurse exclaimed.
"We still need to examine your nerves! Your whole body took a lot of electrical damage!" the other one said.
"I'm fine already! I don't have time to waste in here! I need to get out of here, now!" Naruto shouted on top of his lungs. "Let me go!"
"You better let go of him, now." A deep voice suddenly came. It came from a silver-haired man with a mask. "I will make sure that he won't do anything foolish."
"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto's face brightened up when he saw his teacher. "You hear that? Now, let me go!" he said to the nurses.
"But, we were ordered to look after him. I'm sorry, but we can't do that." A nurse said to Kakashi.
"Oh, don't worry. I have the Hokage's permission." Kakashi said.
"See? See? He has baa-chan's permission! So let me go! I don't have time to waste in this freaky place!" Naruto was then successful of getting out of the nurses' grasp. And once he did, he swiftly jumped out of the nearby window and ran as fast as he could to get to the Hyuga compound.
Kakashi soon followed him.
It was an unusual night in the Hyuga compound. Hiashi, Haruka, Hanabi, Neji, Tsunade and Sasuke were all inside Hinata's room, watching her… and praying for her. The seal on her forehead was glowing in its brightest form as Hinata was lying on the futon, completely exhausted with her struggle with the curse. It was completely written in her face that she was weak, tired and has no more strength to fight for her life.
They all knew to themselves that… it was over for her.
But of course, they couldn't accept that. They all wanted her to live. They all wanted her to get through this.
Hinata opened her eyes to look for her father. "Father…?" she said in a very weak voice.
"I am here, Hinata. Father is here." Hiashi replied immediately as he kissed the back of her hand and held back his tears.
"Is… it all right for father… to hold me in his arms…?" Hinata said, tears started forming in her lifeless eyes.
Her request broke the hearts of everyone in the room. They all held back tears, but Hanabi and Haruka couldn't take it anymore.
"Of course… It's all right." Hiashi then leaned forward to Hinata and picked the fragile maiden to his arms. She felt light as a feather and he tried to be as gentle as he can be in order not to hurt her.
A sigh of relief came out of Hinata as she felt her father's warm arms wrap around her. "It's very warm…" she said in a soothing voice, "I've… always wanted to feel father's arms… All my life… I… wanted father… to recognize me… and be proud of me… and accept me as a daughter…"
"Hinata-sama…" Neji whispered to himself.
"I'm sorry… I wasn't able… to become… the daughter you wanted me… to be…" Hinata said, "I… was weak… I didn't excel on my training… I… couldn't wield the Byakugan… I couldn't be a ninja… and on top of all… I couldn't be an heiress… I apologize for all of that, father." She then looked up directly to her father's eyes. His ever stern eyes and usual cold stares… were gone. Instead, they were replaced by tears and painful ones. This was the very first time Hinata had seen her father wear such a hurt expression. He was always emotionless and he knew how to handle his feelings, but now, her father was very different.
"I should be the one… who should be apologizing to you, Hinata." Hiashi said. "It's because of me… why you're suffering. I wasn't able to protect you… I was the one who made your life miserable. It was all my fault why you have to go through this. All my life, I thought I was doing everything right for you. But, I was wrong… instead, I made you suffer." He paused. "I failed as your father…"
Hinata shook her head. "No… father… please, do not blame yourself… or anyone for what has happened to me. I will feel really bad…" she said. "I… I was still able to… live my life happily. I really am thankful that… God gave me a caring mother… a loving sister… and a strong father… I am… very blessed to have all of you… as my family. I never regretted to be in this noble clan…" tears then fell down to her face as she blinked.
"Please, sister… do not speak like that… y-you're making me really nervous." Hanabi said as she sniffed.
"Hanabi-chan… please, do not cry… when I see you cry… it breaks my heart…" Hinata said. "Promise me that… you will take care of mother… and father… and I know that… you will be a very strong ninja someday... continue doing your best, I know… you will be successful."
Hanabi lowered her face as she cried softly. "Yes… sister… I promise."
Hinata then smiled and looked around the room. She st arted with her father, mother, sister, cousin, the Hokage and lastly… her gaze fell to Sasuke.
"Even if… I was given a short time… I had no regrets with my life. I was able to meet other people… who cared so much about me. Knowing that I'm important to them… I'm already contented. Because… I thought that… no one would… ever love someone like me. I was weak… a failure… and a burden. But still… someone still loved me… for who I am… and that made me really happy." She said. "Sasuke-san… I'm sorry that… our wedding was canceled… I'm sorry that… I could still not love you…I'm sorry that I gave my love to somebody else… I… I hope you could forgive me…"
Sasuke didn't reply. He just looked at her emotionlessly. But it could be clearly seen that he was trying his best to control his emotions.
"I… want to thank all of you… for staying with me until the very end…Please, do not blame Naruto-kun for this… please, do not blame anyone for all what happened to me…" Hinata sobbed. "I…I still wanted to live… but I accept my destiny. Please, be well… take care of yourselves and live your life to the fullest."
She smiled at them one last time and with all the strength left in her body, she spoke her last words.
"I'm glad… that God gave me a chance… to live my life… with all of… you…"
After that, her eyes slowly shut and her pale hand fell down to her side lifelessly. The upward and downward movement of her chest stopped as the glow of the seal on her forehead faded away. She stopped moving… and life left her body.
"Hinata?" Hiashi spoke her name, but she didn't respond. His eyes widened as tears now flowed down his cheeks. "Hinata? Hinata!" he called her once again, but she still didn't respond.
"Hinata…? My daughter… why won't you speak…? W-We're still here." Haruka touched her daughter's face. "Hinata… please, open your eyes… don't sleep…"
"Nee-chan! I cooked dinner! So wake up!" Hanabi yelled.
But, still… no response came from the heiress.
"Tsunade-sama!" Hiashi called for the Hokage.
Tsunade came close to Hinata to feel her pulse… but she couldn't feel anything from the maiden's wrist anymore. The first lady Hokage just shook her head and bowed at the family.
"No… NO! Hinata! My daughter! This can't happen!" Haruka yelled on top of her lungs. "My eldest daughter… no… nooooooooo!"
Hiashi held his lifeless daughter in his arms tightly. "Hinata… Hinata… my beloved daughter…" his moans now turned into sobs. He felt so mad at himself… his daughter's wish was to feel a father's warm hug. But all these years, for so many chances he had… he didn't give it to her. Now, she was gone… no matter how much he embraces her, she would not feel anything anymore.
Everyone in the room mourned for the heiress.
Hanabi's face was buried on her palms as she cried, Hiashi and Haruka kept their arms wrapped around their lifeless daughter, Neji lowered his head and gritted his teeth as river of tears flowed from his Hyuga eyes, and Sasuke… Sasuke was staring at Hinata.
He was staring at his fiancé… at his lifeless fiancé. She was his hope to restore his entire clan. She was the new light that came to his life. She was the girl… whom he dearly loved with all his heart even if he knew that only hatred remained in him. Still, he loved her.
Tears rolled down the Uchiha's pale cheeks. He didn't move from his spot… he just stared numbly at his beloved.
She was gone.
The girl whom he loved was gone.
Hyuga Hinata… was dead.
TO BE CONTINUED.
a/n:
ah~~ I can feel the Spirit of Christmas. ^^ *gets shot*
Oh boy... this is going to be a looooooong story.
VOCABULARY
Kieru- vanish
