It had never been busier in the large mansion of the Hyugas.

A grand celebration awaits, as the time began to loom in as the sun began to fall on the western side, servants and maids ran around, following their masters.

The excitement bubbled, pass the large oaken doors of the mansion to the streets – everyone knew.

Hinata Hyuga is getting married today to Uchiha Sasuke.

As the bride's stepmother, she was expected to send her off with wide smile.

As the clan leader's wife, she was expected to be by his side, holding his arm like a piece of decoration.

At least, that was what they were expecting of her.

As final preparations carried on, she found herself standing in front of the bride's room, the door slid away as she entered.

The servants dipped their heads towards her, as she approached the bride, standing on a stool like a statute, dressed in a pure white kimono, decorated with small golden flowers, she had never looked that sacred, as if she had been a fairy descended upon this world.

To Temari, Hinata had never looked sadder.

"Leave us," she ordered the servants, and as the women disappeared, the girl could no longer contain herself.

"Temari-san," she said, almost whimpering, the tears clung onto the rim of her large pale eyes.

"I told you, you must be patience and you must listen to me," Temari blinked at her, taking her soft hand into hers. "The arrangements have been made, all will fall into place with nightfall."

She moved her hand up to Hinata's face and wiped away a stray tear. "Now, smile on, no matter what happens, you will become someone else's."

"Thank you, Temari-san," Hinata broke into a tearful smile. "I have always wished for a sister just like you."

Temari froze for a second, smiling at the younger girl, she left the room without another word.

The smile of her face faded as she returned to her room, she arched an eyebrow as she noticed that there was a dark grey kimono resting upon the rack of her room, Sen and Yome dipped their heads as they entered.

"Have you made the preparations?" She turned her head to Sen, her fingers stained in vague red, the taller lady nodded with an affirmative smile.

"Very well then," Temari smiled at them. "Tonight will be extremely eventful, what a pity," she sucked her teeth and raised her hands, allowing the ladies dress her.

They painted her face like a drawing, as she stared in the mirror, she smiled to herself.

"This is the day, everything will be different," she said, as Yome and Sen stared each other in the eyes. Helping her up, Temari stepped out of the room like a proud goddess.

The Hyuga family gathered at the banquet hall, men and women turned their heads as she entered, she smiled, with her perfectly painted red lips, she cascaded gracefully, looking for the one person.

There she was, dressed in a yellow kimono, staring around grumpily.

"Hanabi?" She kept her voice in a higher pitch, as the girl turned around and stared at her.

"What do you want?" The dark haired girl arched an eyebrow, scanning her with white eyes. It came to Temari's mind that Hyuga Hanabi was a tiny version of Hiashi, her appearance tilted more to her father's side, so did her temper – arrogant, impatient.

She smiled again, blinking thoughtfully. "I would like a word with you in the side room, alone," she said.

Hanabi looked at her suspiciously. "I don't have much business with you," she replied.

Temari glanced around, she saw that her husband was nearby, occasionally glancing at the rare scene of his wife talking to his younger daughter.

"I have something that you would want to know," she leaned forward and whispered in the girl's ear. Pulling away, she walked away, knowing full and well that she was following her.

Like an innocent butterfly wandering its way into her web – she had caught her.

The girl was uneasy as they retreated to a side room – she did not like the idea of spending any time with this wicked woman – she never liked her, this woman changed her father – he was strict, but he was her father, and she respected him – but Temari, ever since he got married to her, he changed – he was obsessed with her, and whatever child she might bring to him.

"What do you need to tell me?" She crossed her arm in front of her, staring at this woman – she refused to call her 'stepmother'.

"Quite an auspicious day isn't it?" She said mindlessly, as if she had not detected Hanabi's wariness. "I have dreamt of a grand wedding as a younger girl, as Princess it was almost a guarantee, is it not?"

She paused a little while and turned around, staring at Hanabi with glittering green eyes. "Moreover, I dreamt of marrying the man I love, who loves me back like I am part of his existence, but that," she sighed softly as he smiled faded. "That was stripped from me."

"Why are you telling me this?" Hanabi glanced around, studying the older woman's face warily. "It does not matter who you loved, you are married to my father, and you are supposed to be loyal."

"Clever girl," she smirked. "Then what do you think about those who had yet to marry? Should they follow their heart's desire?"

Hanabai stared at the woman's glinting eye, staring down at her like a cat, ready to pounce at an innocent mouse.

"What are you implying?" Temari was somehow amazed by the intellect of this young teenage girl. If given more time and experience, she might be as good as she is, but her fatal flaw was her arrogance.

Temari moved towards the door, Hanabi looked increasingly annoyed.

"You don't mean…" Hanabi's eyes widened, she moved hastily but Temari stood in her way. "I need to tell father, it is about time he sees through you, before you drag my sister into whatever you are plotting!"

Temari stood her ground, as Hanabi seized her arm and gripped it hard. "Out of my way!"

As she tugged and pulled, Temari could hear hastened footsteps hurrying over to the room – someone must have heard the commotion.

As Hanabi tugged onto her arm again, she collapsed onto the ground, just as the door swung open.

The servant who opened the door screamed in horror; Hanabi turned and found herself staring at an agonized Temari, yelping in pain as her hand pressed against her stomach, a surge of crimson appearing on the fabric of her kimono.

She heard a few hastened steps, and then she heard Hiashi's voice.

"Take the Lady to her room," then she heard a drop in his tone, turning icy cold.

"Send Hanabi to her room, and lock her in."

She could hear commotion as Hanabi struggled from the grasp of her servants. "Father! You must listen to me! Father!" Her voice, her desperate pleas became more distant, as Hiashi himself picked her up and cradled her. "Find her physician, now," he ordered as he took her in his arms and hurried her back to her room.

She closed her eyes, everything turned dark.


When she opened her eyes again, she could see her husband sitting by her bedside, looking at her with a forceful smile. "You are awake," he said, gently.

She blinked, turning her head at Yome, who blinked back at her.

"What happened?" She looked around, only her two ladies and Hiashi was there, all of them looking at her.

Hiashi stared at her, he was at a loss, she could tell.

"Our child," he said, pressing onto her abdomen. "We lost it."

"Oh my," Temari sighed, her eyes watery. "I was planning to announce it on the ceremony tonight, so that you can have more to be happy about." The fake sadness dripped from her voice, she could see him sipping it in, like sweetened poison – he was completely devastated.

Hiashi bit onto his lips as he looked another way.

"Your Highness," Yome said, her voice melancholic. "We are sorry for your loss."

"For that to happen on such a day," Hiashi sucked his teeth, Temari stared at the man, he was sad and angry, he turned towards her again. "What happened with you and Hanabi?"

Temari tried to sit up, with Sen helping her.

"I…I was simply trying to talk to her – since Hinata is getting married today, I wanted to reconcile with her…after all, she is not that fond of me," Temari pressed onto her head. "We had some disagreement, and before I knew it, she … she pushed me onto the ground."

A tear rolled down her face, as she turned away. "Leave me please, I want a moment alone," she lied down and turned her back towards him, lying sideways.

She heard him sigh sadly, before turning towards the door.

"Take good care of the Lady," he ordered before leaving.

She waited until his footsteps could no longer be heard before she sat up again, her eyes alert like her normal self, she stood and moved away from her bed.

"He truly believed it, didn't he?" Temari looked out of the window, the sun had started to descend. Sen nodded as she draped a cape around her shoulders.

"He was moved immensely when you said the words 'save my child' repeatedly," Yome added. "The pouch of blood was very realistic."

"I tested it a few times," said Sen. Temari smiled at her ladies. "Now, all you two have to do is follow what I have previously instructed you, I shall await your good news."

"Yes, Your Highness." The two women nodded before leaving the room.

Temari stared at the open window – the hue of the descending sun dying the sky into a mixture of orange and purple.

There was no time to lose – there are things that must be done.


The unusual red lanterns decorated the blackness and whiteness of the Uchiha mansion.

An inconspicuous sedan chair arrived at the main door – it was the best she could afford, in addition to her small dowry, most of it given by the Queen.

Her mistress, the Queen was not particularly fond of her marriage – a fly trapped in a honey jar she called her, but she knew the Lady loved her still.

She chose her finest kimono – which was nothing particularly grand, a shade of creamy white embroidered with the flowers that inspired her name, her pink hair was tied neatly into a bun and decorated with a few silver hairpins.

She blinked as she stepped off the sedan chair, staring at the door – the red lanterns flared in the descending sun, the door elaborately decorated by red silk and decorations, but none of them was meant for her.

A woman emerged, her red hair slightly darker than the decorations, her crimson eyes, reminding her of Sasuke's, she studied her with a cold stare, biting her lips as her finger tapped on her arm impatiently. The woman was dressed in a dark kimono, sucking her teeth before she spoke.

"So you're the one, huh?" She was about to keep on speaking, before another person emerged from behind the door, grinning with one protruding canine.
"Come on, don't be so hostile," he said. "Come on in, Sasuke is busy."

Too busy to even come and see her, on their wedding day.

She sighed softly, and smiled as she entered.

He looked into the mirror as Sai's hands left him, he stared – in his heart, he wished that his parents was there to see him, there was a little part of him that wished he was here.

It troubled him day and night, his question that was left to be answered.

It will never be answered again.

Why?

"Oi, Sasuke," Suigetsu barged in as usual, smirking at the dark ceremonial robes clad Sasuke, he closed the door behind him. "Shouldn't you at least go see that pink haired girl before you leave for the Hyuga mansion?"

"It would not be necessary," if Suigetsu had not reminded him, he would have barely remembered that he was marrying two women on one day – one he married to fulfil his plan, the other also to fulfil his plan.

Suigetsu shrugged as he left the room, leaving Sai alone with Sasuke.

"I must congratulate you again, Sasuke-kun," the pale skin man said, as he produced a bottle of wine from the sleeve of his robes. "Allow me to present you with this gift – a wine for greater fertility," he said, pausing with a strangely unpleasant smile on his face. "I bought this when I visited the foreign lands to make contracts for supplies – the shopkeeper guaranteed that I would have three children in less than two years."

Sasuke smiled coolly, as Sai poured him a cup, Sasuke arched an eyebrow as he refrained from pouring a cup himself.

"I mustn't drink this," Sai blinked. "It is very potent, you have been warned." He paused for a second before speaking again with a smile on his face. "My Lord."

"Nothing like I couldn't handle," Sasuke smiled at him, as he poured the entire cup down his throat.

A warm sensation surged from his stomach, he felt strange warmth embracing him - it was a comfortable feeling, as if someone was embracing him from the inside.

Sai smiled at him, as he dipped his head. "I shall prepare the horses," he left the room quietly, the polite smile on his face turned slowly, dripping with poison.


He had thought of leaving without a trace, but it would not be fair.

The man is his mentor, almost like the father he never had.

He found himself standing in front of the modest house that he lived in – for such a great man, his residence was nothing as grand as the mighty man he is.

He knocked on the door; the smoke swirling around his chimney was an indicator that he was here.

The door creaked open, as the white-haired man stared down at him.

"Naruto," he called his name, he felt his vision blur and shake as his master opened the door.

"Ero-sennin," he muttered. "I can't stay for long, but I need to tell you something."

"You will always make time for important things," he said, his face visually ruddy. "Besides, I have something that I need to give you, since you are getting away."

"You knew?" Naruto's eyes widened.

"Kakashi told me," he said, searching for something hidden in his robes. "Said you were acting weird, you never came to me that day, didn't you?"

Naruto looked down at his feet, ashamed that he put the man he endeared in his lie. Jiraya continued on, smiling as he pressed a hand on his shoulder.

"I watched you for a few days," he said. "Seems like you are going far away, aren't you?"

Naruto squeezed his fists tight, he felt that his tears were dangling – he was ashamed, he feared – but all his Master had for him was open arms and more understanding, much greater than anything he had expected.

"Ero-sennin, I…" Jiraya handed a bundled manuscript over and shoved it into his hand.

"I know that you must have a good reason not to tell us why you have to go," he said. "I trust that you will do good in your own way."

The older man smiled, looking at the manuscript in his hand. "If you have time, take a look and see for yourself – you will discover something you never knew."

Naruto's eyes traced down, looking at the strange, yet familiar symbol.

The crest on his armour – the Uzumaki symbol, a red swirl.

"If you find out the secrets of this book, you will realise for yourself, your true worth, your destiny," he said, his brown eyes looking into his blue ones intently.

"Go now," he smiled at him. "I have taught you all that I have, and it is time for you to see for yourself."

Naruto nodded and turned, his steps hastened as he began to run, his feet sprinting and felt like he was flying.

The older man sighed softly, the smile faded from his face as his pupil ran from him, he looked up to the evening sky, the orange-red reminded him of two familiar faces that he used to care for.

"Minato, Kushina," he muttered. "He is all grown now."


The bride sat in her room, anxiously, she turned at the door at every sound of a footstep, the servant combing her hair flinched, almost poking the comb too hard on her scalp.

"My lady, you mustn't move so much," she said, Hinata turned back.

Temari said she would arrange anything – where could she be?

"Have you seen Temari-san?"

"Apologies, my Lady," the servant dipped her head, as Hinata sighed.

Has she forsaken her?

"Baa-san," suddenly an unfamiliar woman entered, startling her – she remembered her face. "You are needed somewhere."

"Oh, alright," the servant left the room, leaving only her and the tall, slender woman in the room.

"You are Temari-san's…" Hinata stared at the woman, who smiled as she stared down at her. She was dressed in traditional Suna clothing, it was almost impossible to miss.

"Hinata-sama," she dipped her head. "You are almost ready now. You must not be late for your own wedding."

"Has Temari-san forgotten her promise?" A sudden surge of sadness and anger took over her, she felt hot and bothered, a sickness in her stomach rolled inside. "Has she forsaken me?"

"Her Highness is a woman of honour," the woman replied, as she took the comb and fixed Hinata's hair, carefully arranging the pins in her hair. "You must not worry so much, the frown add nothing but years upon your face."

Hinata said nothing as the lady led her out from her room to the banquet hall. Her long white train seemed to carry the heaviest weight she had ever carried.

"Smile, my lady," she said. "I shall find you once the time is ripe."

She let go of Hinata as the side door opened, another servant led her out and guided her to the altar.

She waited, the crowd that stood stared at her, she could hear hushed whispers and chatter.

Her father was dressed in a beige ceremonial robe, covered by a dark cloak, worn only at the most important occasions, if anything was missing, it was the joy that was supposed to be present on his face.

It puzzled her, but it was not the most important, she looked ahead at the entrance as he entered, a swarm of darkness sweeping across, guests looked at him without a word, as he glanced around with his dark eyes. Everything about him was dark, his hair, his eyes, his robes radiate darkness.

Hinata found herself trembling at the sight of this man who was supposed to be her groom.

He approached the altar and stood there; the crowd stood as the officiator took a stand behind the altar. It was quiet, so quiet that the only sound Hinata could hear was the sound of her heart thumping against the walls of her chest.

The officiator's words were a blur, she felt like a freak show, the crowd stared at her on as the officiator took her hand and tied it with Sasuke's.
"I pronounce you man and wife, to be bound from this day forth until death separates your mortal bonds."

She felt a tear rolled down her perfectly painted face, she looked around, the faces blurring and popping.

She felt that the lights were fading- she barely felt anything as he took her hand in his.

The little comfort returned to her when she locked eyes with the tall woman that led her to the altar. Her heart beat faster and faster as the lady approached, dipping her head at Sasuke, she smiled. Hinata recognized her immediately, despite of her quickly put together disguise – to anyone else, she would look like any other Hyuga servant.

"My Lady must change to more convenient clothing for the banquet, excuse us."

Hinata was relieved as she was led further and further away from him, further and further away from the crowd.

"Is it the time?" She asked anxiously, the lady gave her no reply, as they went into Hinata's room.

She gasped as she saw her sitting there, apparently waiting for her to come.

"Temari-san?"

"Now is the perfect time, the men are outside, flexing their muscles for no good reason – this is the perfect time," Temari said. "I have arranged everything, now what you must do is to change into these plain clothes and follow Sen , she will show you what to do – listen to her, at all times."

"I understand," Hinata almost tore herself out of the long white kimono, the weight on her shoulder dropped as the wraps of fabric peeled off her. Sen helped her in a plain servant kimono, as Temari stared.

"Now, it is time to go, follow Sen." She urged, blinking. "There is no time to loose."

Hinata looked at her hesitantly, as Temiar frowned and waved her hand.

"Go now," she snapped. "Be determined."

"I cannot thank you more, Temari-san." Hinata said, almost tearfully, she rushed to her side and took her hand.

Temari felt a sudden warmth surging in side of her, she smiled at the younger girl. "Go now," she said softly, as Sen gently tugged her hand and led Hinata away.

She stared back at her with her soft white eyes before disappearing behind the sliding door.

Yome appeared from behind the closet. "Let's go now," she urged the shorter girl. "It is time."


"How much longer must we wait?" He muttered impatiently, holding her hand in his.

Tenten smiled at him, pressing a hand reassuring against his chest. "Don't worry, Neji, I will be fine."

His hand travelled down and cupped her slightly swollen abdomen, his pale eyes staring into her warm brown ones sadly, his other hand cupping her face. "I will come find you, I promise."

He leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers, it was brief and affectionate, as he pulled her into his arms.

"I am sorry to interrupt," Temari said, hastily. Neji arched an eyebrow, staring at her half confused, half amazed. "Temari-san, I thought you…"

"It does not matter," she turned around as Sen led a plainly dressed woman, the dirt she smeared on her porcelain face was little disguise as he equally white eyes met his.

"Hinata-sama!" He exclaimed, his eyes darting around fiercely. It was clear at that moment – he knew exactly how dangerous this was, the Hyuga is powerful, with a lot of friends.
He turned towards Temari, his eyes coated with anger and worry; she stared back calmly, there was something about her presence that compelled him to calm down.

"Listen," she blinked at Neji, before turning at the two women. "Naruto will be waiting at the southern gates, after you left, head south for a while before turning back, head to the west, go all they way until you reach the border of Suna," she said, calmly, her eyes glancing around alertly. "Remember, do not detour, go straight ahead."

They nodded, Temari pointed to a carriage. "Get on," she said. "And leave as fast as you can."

Tenten looked at Neji longingly, he bit his lip and nodded as she climbed on, taking one last look at his face.

Hinata blinked, her eyes rimming with tears as she climbed on.

Sen took the reins and whipped the horse, the carriage began to roll away slowly, Neji stared as the carriage left the mansion discreetly, a pain lingered in his heart.

"Your place is here," Temari reminded him. "I have done my part, once she reaches Suna safely, you must fulfill your duty towards me."

Neji hesitantly turned around, and nodded at her, before walking back inside.

Temari stared at the back of the man, the proud warrior he was, his silhouette had never looked so fragile, so lonely, so lost.

"What love does to men," Temari said with a soft sigh. "Let's go back," she walked back slowly.

All hell is going to break loose.


As Neji returned to the banquet hall, he began to notice the commotion that ensued. Guards were running back and fro while his uncle sat, angrily ordering guards that returned with empty hands to go out and search. Guests were talking to each other, and from what he saw, Hinata's brand new husband was anything but pleased.

He saw his friend, a strange face to see in a banquet. Sitting at the corner, he was sipping from a small porcelain cup, quietly watching the commotion. He was dressed in a dark green robe, with his family crest sewed on the back.

His friend looked up and raised his glass at him. "Neji," he said.

"Never expected to see you here, Shikamaru." He said, sitting down next to him, as Shikamaru poured him a cup of sake. "Thought it would be too troublesome for your taste."

"It is, my mother is sick and my father sent me in his stead." Shikamaru arched an eyebrow. "Have you went and greet Inoichi? After all, you wanted to marry Ino, don't you?"

"My clan wants me to," Neji corrected him as Shikamaru passed him the sake. "I do not share the same mind as my clan."

Shikamaru chuckled softly. "Your cousin probably hated this marriage too, hiding from her husband and causing such a fuss."

Neji saw a glint in Shikamaru's eyes, he took another sip from his cup of sake. "Your other cousin is missing too," said Shikamaru, as he took another sip from his cup. "So is your uncle's wife."

Neji noticed that Shikamaru frowned a little, he nodded in response. "Indeed."

The frown on Shikamaru's forehead relaxed as he sighed softly. "Quite an eventful day, hmm."

Shikamaru glanced around, Temari was not here for some unknown reason, but more importantly, the bride was missing, also her sister.

He had noticed how Neji was nervous, but apparently it was not for his cousins – the man was hiding something.

He moved his gaze back towards the groom, Sasuke was approaching his father-in-law, impatiently. As Shikamaru stared from afar, he could tell that Sasuke was fed up with waiting, as he turned around, the man's steps stopped awkwardly, his hand pressing against his chest painfully. Sasuke stumbled and took a few more steps, before collapsing onto the ground.

Shikamaru and Neji stood up and walked forward, following the crowd of guests that surrounded the fallen man, Neji glanced at Shikamaru, who stared at the man on the ground with an arched eyebrow.

A few guards rushed over and picked him up, as they carried him away, Neji could see clearly – there was foam around the corner of his mouth.

"Poison," he muttered, he turned around and glanced around with his white eyes.

Shikamaru had disappeared into the crowd, Neji could not help to suspect.

But why?


Author's note:

Another chapter! Sorry for the late update - school has been very busy!

I hope you enjoy xoxo LOTS of plot twists right here - I will try to update as soon as possible!

Thanks for the love as always xoxo

V.S.V