History: The Brotherhood of Assassins was a collection of impenetrable fortresses around Damascus, and Syria. They were built mainly in the mountainous regions, and were created to disestablish the Calphiate of the Islamic Empire.

Note: I do not know the teachings of Islam so please any readers forgive any ignorance shared, it is meant not as an attack.

1095

Cairo, Egypt

Another day of peace in the center of the Fatamid dynasty, the farmers tilled there crops on the Nile, while the merchants busily exchanged goods at the market. The golden sun shined on the mud brick houses as two figures made there way into the city to see the one of the Sultan's greatest Amir to talk about renewing a tribute required. The two men were required to reveal themselves once they reached the gate of Cairo. One had golden hair like the infidels of the West; however his fluent Arabic and his gift that he held on his back showed the guards who he was. His partner was hidden in a odd shaped mask that swirled into the single eye hole. The guard began to forcefully pull up the mask when suddenlly his hand was pressed on as the blonde haired Assassin said with a cynical tone.

"I wouldn't do that, my brother is inflicted...with leprosy!"

This seemed to turn off the guard from looking at him as he simply let the two diplomats to the Old Man of the Mountain enter. As soon as they were safely away from the gate the masked diplomat said cheerfully.

"That was a close call mentor Deidara!"

Deidara sneered as he said. "That is Al-Muzar Deidara to you fool! Anyways Is the package positioned in the market Tobi?"

"Yes, it is ready in case the Amir rejects our leaders generous offer."

"Good lets move on" Said Deidara as they walked toward the Sultan's palace, were the Amir (An Amir is a high commander in Islamic armies) Musol-Al-Gaara."

POV Gaara

The noblest Amir of the Sultan's command stood in his office with his siblings by his side. Both sat bored as Kankuro shaved down a puppet next to him and his sister Temari fanned the area. By request by Gaara to the Sultan his sister was not required to dress in clothing that covered her face and body. The two diplomats to the Brotherhood entered his room both with a silent disposition as they opened they put down the cases they were carrying.

Gaara raised his shaved eyebrow as he asked coldly. "What are you heretics doing here?"

"We come as envoy for the Old Man of the Mountain. He wishes to know why you "Islam's holy warrior" have refused to give tribute to our glorious leader, who determines the life of Kings far and wide!"

Gaara then shut his eyes as he said to the two. "I've made it clear that I will not give a single denair (gold currency) to Hanzo."

Tobi gasped as he said in a forceful tone. "You dare say out the name of our glorious leader in such a manner!"

"Peace my student, it seems Amir Gaara is not intrested in the leaders offer. So we shall take our leave, we offer you the gifts handed to you and this."

Deidara pulled out a Assassin's knife, beautifully manufacutured in Damascus. He grinned as he continued. "Remember Amir, your life will be put to the test of as long as you don't pay the Old man of the Mountain his respect! Tobi lets go!"

As the two left the area Kankuro lifted his head as he said. "Gaara, do you think it was wise to refuse the brotherhood like that? After all, even the Sultan and every other Amir pays there tribute to him..."

Temari then said with a tone of arrogance. "You don't need to pay anything to that extortionate Assassin. You have both of us to protect you in any situation."

Gaara then said trying not to sound rude. "I don't wish to make this a physical attack, but you both would get in the way...I know how to spot an Assassin, and Allah is my shield enough."

Kankuro never liked how Gaara belittled him and Temari. He may have been the saving grace for the Fatamid dynasty, but he acted as if the two of them didn't exist. Not wanting to anger his brother he simply said. "Never the less Gaara, your older brother is always here to protect you."

"As your older Sister Gaara." Said Temari as the two older siblings came closer to embrace him. Gaara pushed the two aside and simply said. "Knock it off you two, and bring me the latest census for Jeruselum. Is Baki still govenor there?"

Both felt a cold shoulder as they answered his questions. Temari lifted herself, feeling sad about how unmoved Gaara was and said. "Baki is still govenor..."

"I'll get the census honored brother." said Kankuro as he left the building. Gaara continued to work on his paperwork and then took a glimpse of the dagger that was left to him as a warning. It didn't fase him much but Gaara knew he would have to be more careful when he roamed the streets of Cairo. Suddenly a large bell sounded, with the added sound of the Imam begining the evening prayer for the city. Everyone even Gaara and his siblings dropped everything they were doing and laid out a mat to begin the evening prayer. It was almost like the entire city was in unison as the Imam said the prayer from the minariate. The final lines of the Imam was a statement as he shouted to the city.

"God has no Son! Oneness is the truth against the polygemist Christians!"

As the sermon ended a loud explosion could be heard from the market place. Loud wails and shouting could be heard, and at this very moment the two Assassin's diplomats had just made there way out of Cairo. Deidara smirked as he said to Tobi. "So my student, do you think the Amir enjoyed my art?"

Tobi seemed serious as he said. "I'm sure Amir Gaara will be observing it for a while..." The two finally made there way at a faster pace, lest they were figured out by the town guard.

Meanwhile in France

Hinata pleaded with her father as she said in a desperate state. "Father! What do you mean your not coming on this crusade!" She grabbed on to his cloak so that he couldn't leave the discussion. Hiashi finally closed his eyes as he answered his heir.

"I'm sorry Hinata, but as you know your sister is now fifteen and it's around the time for me to find a suitor for her. Plus I can not leave the state of my district to an outsider, and Neji has already given me control of his keep while he is away."

Hinata couldn't help but think about the fact that she was free to live, while her sister was to be wedlocked to someone who would most likely be around the range of four to fifteen years older than her. The thought shocked her as she said. "W..what if I take Hanabi with me? I'm sure a man of quality could be found in the Holy Land."

Hiashi contemplated this as he said. "I have no qualm with this, however I would like to no what my child thinks herself." Suddenly with a booming voice he said. "Hanabi, come in here!"

Suddenly the door creaked open as Hanabi entered the room, her hair coming down to her back. "Yes father?"

Hiashi brought his daughter to his arms as he said embracing her. "Would you like to attend the crusade under the watch of your sister. That would mean that you must obey her every command, for she is the older sibling and the one of the better gender."

Almost as if she wasn't trying to insult Hinata; Hanabi said. "Do you mean the fact that Hinata dresses in boys clothing."

Hinata gasped at the insolence as she said in a loud voice. "You know why I do it Hanabi! Now do you want to go with me or get married to some fourty year old feudal lord?!"

While Hanabi was taught all her life that maintaining a family and finding a husband was her future womenhood, the thought of taking care of a fourty year old man and worse sharing a bed with him frieghtened Hanabi. Coming over to Hinata she grabbed her and said. "Father I wish to attend the crusade with Hinata!"

Hiashi sighed as he said. "Very well then, I will join you two when I can find a loyal family member to watch our estate. As for you Hinata I want you to have this." He then passed down his sheild with the insignia of the Hyuuga clan flame, over a blue background. Other than that was the sign of the cross which all crusaders bore that was sealed on the shield a few days ago by a blacksmith.

"T..thank you father, I don't know what else to say..." She felt unworthy of such a gift from her father. Tears came down her face as she embraced Hiashi wrapping her arms around his.

"Ehh..yes well, you better get going Hinata, Count Iruka's crusader army moves toward the Holy land soon."

Hinata wiped her eyes as she said "Your right father, come on Hanabi I need to introduce you to Haku."

"And hurry back Hinata!" yelled out Hiashi as they left the castle.

POV Haku

The single adopted child of Zabuza stared out of the porch of the manor as he looked at the flowers outside. At this time he was listening to Zabuza's personal bard carefully play a soft song on a lute. His heart was feeling heavy again. The army would be moving out and Haku would once again be with simply Henri, and not Hinata. He turned to the bard and said softly.

"Bard play me a soothing song for my disturbed mind."

The bard did as commanded and played a soft song for Haku. Suddenly the boy noticed the two Hyuuga coming toward his porch. He seemed pleased that they were here as he said. "Good evening; who is this thay you've brought with you Hinata?"

"Hello Haku, umm I would like to introduce you to my sister Hanabi. She'll be acompanying us.."

Haku gave a low bow causing his long hair to come over his face for a moment as he said kissing her hand. "The pleasure is mine lady Hanabi."

Hanabi giggled as she looked at her sister and whispered. "Hinata your right he does have a cute face; soft and smooth just like you said!"

Hinata held down Hanabi's mouth as she said. "eh my sisters just kidding Haku, I...well..sorry."

With a smile of pure innocences he smiled saying "Heh I would have to say the same about you two; a bloomed flower and her sapling."

At this point Hanabi was confused at why Haku was saying you two. She figured that Hinata had kept her secret safe from everyone which caused her to say. "Hinata, why does he know?"

Hinata gave a smirk to her sister as she said quoting the words spoken years ago. "Because he's my brother in arms, and someone I trust."

Not feeling up to talking about internal feeling Haku changed the subject quickly saying. "Zabuza will be attending the crusade, a little ironic since he was once a Muslim himself...Anyways come inside and we can prepare together."

"Ok Haku.." said Hinata as the three of them came inside the manor. by the next day, all those who planned to head out to the Holy land were to leave with Count Iruka at the break of morning after mass. The three came inside as they saw Zabuza sparing with his enormous sword; destroying the stacks of hay he spread out in the room.

He turned to the three of them as he said. "Well if it isn't Henri, an honor to have you visit." His enormous stature shocked Hanabi as he walked over to her and messed with her hair.

"This is your sister isn't she Henri...yes I recall her when we first met."

"Zabuza, perhaps now is the time to show us what you wanted us to see?"

He sneered at his heir as he said. "Pacience is a virtue Haku...anyways since I was your mentors, I was given these for you two. He then pulled out two red cloth crosses as he said. "This is the sign for all the people to know what you fight for. I'm sure your sister can sew them on for you." He then opened a chest that held his chain mail and cloth that held his crusader cross. Putting on both he said. "I'm off to the Counts to give a report on the men I'm taking. I won't be back so feel free to sleep here should it turn dark." After saying this he left to the stable and moved his warhorse foward with the information tied on his back.

While Hinata sewed her clothing with the cross, Hanabi began sewing Haku's since he was never taught this skill that was thought to be for ladies only. It had taken more time than expected as the sun began coming down. Haku rubbed his shoulder as he asked the two. "Would you like me to have a carrier send a message to your father saying your here?"

the two nodded since they both knew that the road was dangerous even for a two knights to cross. Haku set up a sheet by his bedside and offered it up saying. "Feel free to use my bed for you and your sister Hinata."

"What about you Haku?" Said Hinata in consern of were he would sleep.

The twenty year old simply smiled saying. "I'll find another place to sleep..." He flashed a playful smile as he continued saying. "this isn't the barracks like before Hinata." With saying that he grabbed a thin sheet for himself as he made it seem like he was heading toward Zabuza's room. After a few minutes Hinata lifted herself from the bed and walked through the halls to make sure he was taken care of. She noticed that he was not in Zabuza's room and quickly searched the manor. Finally she noticed that he was sleeping in a hay stack right next to the horses in the stable. A half eaten apple could be seen which showed that he had taken care of the horses before going to bed. Hinata simply gazed at him and closed the wooden gate to let him sleep soundly without a draft.