Hi everyone! Here's the fifth chapter, please enjoy! I quickened the pace a bit because another two chapters before the fated GaaHina meeting seemed a bit too much for me. I hope you will like this chapter! But first, let me answer to the reviews :D

Alia Rubrik: Thank you so much for your compliments and your three reviews, they really made my day! I'm glad you enjoy the worldbuilding, I do my best to come up with something new and complete. I was a bit afraid to change Gaara's powers from sand manipulation to shadow manipulation, but I thought it would work better with the worldbuilding I came up with. The One of Wrath is not the god of deserts so it wouldn't make sense for Gaara to manipulate sand. Plus, I wanted an explanation for Gaara not having eyebrows and I thought making him an albino who dyes his hair but not his eyebrows would make sense. I hope you will enjoy this chapter as much as the others! :D

Chapter V: The Kingdom of Wind.

Hinata had always dreamt to see Konoha, to witness the mightiest tourneys, to meet the noblest knights and the most graceful ladies. To her great dismay, she swiftly concluded that the capitol was not worthy of the laudatory stories and songs she had heard. Not only the beauty of the capitol could not dream to rival the luxurious forests and the verdant plains of Yggalë, but the inhabitants seemed to have a quite insulting opinion of the Yggalëns and seemed to believe all the Yggalën women were whores for a reason she could not begin to understand.

If she had first thought it was nothing but the opinion of some commoners and drunk soldiers, she had had to accept the truth. This degrading opinion was shared by many inhabitants and nobles alike. She would never the day when the Yggalën Maiden had been sung and the last verse ignored. When she had naively asked why she had been looked at by wide eyes before being told there was not last verse. Taken aback, she had sung it herself, borrowing the minstrel's harp to do so. Still believing in the Konohan nobles' kindness, she had put all of her heart in the melody.

The knight was riding, lonely when he found

An Yggalën maiden singing in the plains.

Her sweet voice captured him like chains,

And she was fairer than a battleground.

The fair Yggalën maiden was a lady,

Daughter of another master of arms,

Who protected his sweet daughter's charms,

But the knight, ô the knight was so greedy.

So, he tasted the Yggalën soft girl,

Who sang in the most beautiful voice.

The travelling knight stood by his choice

And when he left he stole her a curl.

But the sweet lady's father sang too,

He sang with no voice but an Yggalën lance.

He offered to the knight his final dance,

And the blade was the knight's final view.

And before his greedy heart ceased to beat,

His mind thought of long black curls,

Of two beautiful and shining pearls,

Of a golden sand soft skin's sweet heat.

He would meet the One of Wrath,

And the maiden would keep singing,

And the maiden would keep dancing,

For he would never again cross her path.

He would meet the One of Wrath,

And the maiden would keep singing,

And the maiden would keep dancing,

For he would never again cross her path.

Her voice and talents had been immediately lauded, but all had denied the existence of the last four lines. According to them, the Yggalën maiden had no reason to celebrate the knight's death for she was his mistress and had willingly given herself to him. Hinata had immediately felt rage feel her heart. How could they say such things of the women of her region? Were they nothing but whores, in their mind? She had never been angrier than this night; even the wrath she had felt upon discovering her father's actions could not hope to rival this fury, this injustice.

She had run to Neiji, who had reported her being eyed by the other squires, who would jest about his skin tone. Hinata had never cared for her golden skin until this moment but hearing the existence of those jests had frozen her blood in her veins. After this fateful day, she had decided that only Neiji, Hamya and Hanike - who were her ladies in waiting - would keep her company. She had no intention to involve herself with such dim-witted people. She only dreamt of one thing: going back to Pearlforest. She would far happier there, surrounded by her people.

She had asked her father why nobles and commoners alike seemed to despise them, and if he could do anything about it. However, she was met by a simple and unsatisfying sentence: "My dear Hinata, those who believe such things are dim-witted, don't pay them any attention". She had never despised an answer like this. It was, besides a blatancy, of no use at all.

The only quality she had found in Konoha, besides a few quite amusing tourneys, was a small kiosk hidden in a corner of the garden, surrounded by vivid roses. She enjoyed spending her afternoons there whether she was harping, reading, embroidering, or educate herself with the Lula in charge of her, but who was as different as Lula Natsu as possible. She prefered it when the Lula was absent, but her wishes did not matter in such a situation.

She was in this kiosk, harping with Hamya and Hanika when her father joined her on a sunny afternoon reminding her of the Yggalën summer. She saw from afar, his broad should and impressive height making him far from discrete. She immediately stopped playing music and her two distant cousins turned around before imitating her.

"Father!" she exclaimed, a soft smile on her face. "What brings you here?"

"I have some news to share, sweet daughter. Hamya, Hanika, don't bow and sit, you're all concerned", her father said tenderly but Hinata did not allow his tone to fool her; he was still a murderer.

"Would you like some tea and some biscuits? I had them brought from the kitchens", she offered. "They're ideal with this sun."

"Gladly", he replied and whilst she poured him a cup - she had had a good idea to bring another cup, although she would have prefered to pour it for Neiji instead of her father - he kept talking. "We're invited to the next Daimyō's reunion in Suna, in the Kingdom of Wind. Hinata, I dare hope that this journey will please you."

The next Daimyō's reunion? It would be far more interesting and agreeable than life in Konoha! She smiled sincerely, enthusiast at the idea of visiting a new country of which she knew no one but the rider Ryn met three years ago. She could not wait to tell Neiji about their new journey. He would be, without a doubt, as glad as she was and would want to learn how to ride as well as the renowned riders of the Kingdom of Wind.

"I would be honoured to visit a capitol like Suna, father. Who will accompany us?"

"The Hokage Jiraiya will be in charge of our security. We live in two days, and your ladies in waiting will come as well. I don't want you to feel alone", he added.

"What about Neiji?", Hinata asked.

Why had he not mentioned Neiji? Her cousin had to follow them, she would not leave the capitol without him, she would not abandon him to the vultures and insults of this wretched place. Her stomach twisted at the idea of being separated from her cousin. He was her best friend, her confidant, she needed him. A single day without him would already be hard, so an entire journey? It was unthinkable, he had to be here.

"Sadly, I must maintain a Yggalën presence in Konoha and Neiji, being my nephew, will remain here with the rest of our household."

"Then I shall remain too", she firmly said without raising her voice. "I will be the Yggalën presence. I'm its future Great Lady, am I not? Who else than me could represent Pearlforest?"

"Alas, if I could, I would leave you with Neiji, but Konoha isn't safe for you. Moreover, the Kingdom of Wind is an important economic partner of Yggalë and you ought to meet its highest dignitaries", he answered calmly.

"You would leave Neiji here when it isn't safe by your own admission? How can do you this?", she replied, her voice strangled.

"Neiji isn't my heir, he won't be in any kind of danger."

Hinata bit the inside of her lips in order to retain her tears. It was unfair! How could he take Neiji away from her? Her fists clenched on her skirts, and she breathed deeply. She would not show him her sadness, he did not deserve it. She forced her face to keep a neutral expression and looked up at her father.

"Very well father, it will be done as you wish. May I be excused? I would like to tell Neiji about the news."

"Of course."

Hamya and Hanika hurried after her and, as soon as they were out of her father's line of sight, Hinata stopped and hid her face in her hands. Her cousins embraced her and sit her on a bench, caressing her braids ornated with jewellery. Soon, tears were running down Hinata's cheeks. She did not want to be parted from Neiji; it was so unfair, abject!

"Everything will be fine, miss", Hamya told her. "We'll be here, and we'll make sure that the journey goes as swiftly as possible."

"I'll miss so much!" sobbed Hinata, looking up at them. "If the capital is as dangerous as Father says, something might happen to him, and I wouldn't be here! What if some enemy sends assassins after him?"

"Ser Ko would protect him", Hanika replied him. "You'll be able to write to him when we'll arrive. Think of everything you'll tell him!", she added all the while arranging her hair.

"It wouldn't be like living it with him...", she sighed, eyes on her hands.

"You'll live it with us. We'll help you find a superb present to bring him. What do you think? You can offer it to him for his birthday, I'm sure he'll be overjoyed."

Hinata slowly nodded and her cousins tenderly dried her tears, then they helped her to get up and took one of her arms each.

"Let's go see him and organise how you may spend time with him for the next two days. I'm sure sir Ko will have no objection", Hamya offered.

Neiji's eyes widened more than Hinata thought it was possible when she told him the terrible news, her voice strangled and his hands in hers. Then, his expression shifted from surprise to anger, and he hugged her, keeping her against him for a far too short instant before putting his forehead against hers, his calloused hands on her cheeks.

"Write to me when you arrive and be careful. Stay with Hamya and Hanika no matter what", he said.

Hinata barely nodded and put her hands on his wrists, swallowing a sob. His voice, his warmth, his smile, she would miss him so much! This journey would be torture!

"I promise. Be careful to not be knighted in my absence, I would be very cross if I couldn't assist to such an event!", she added with a smile, hoping to lighten the mood.

He stepped away from her and looked directly in her eyes, a smile stretching the corner of his mouth. Anger had disappeared from his face, replaced by resigned acceptance.

"It's an oath", he replied. "How could I be knighted if my lady isn't here?"

"You couldn't", she laughed. "Would you spend these two days with me? I want to see you as much as possible before father takes me away from you."

"Nothing would make me refuse", he replied.

Hinata felt a smile appear on her lips. Neiji was irreplaceable. He was the only knight she would ever need and the best friend she could dream of. He spent these two days spoiling her and they played with Hamya and Hanika or just the two of them, dancing, chasing after each other, laughing and simply enjoying each other's presence.

When the dreaded hour of departure, Hinata felt her throat go dry. She had been distraught since she had awoken, but now, she feared that her voice might break if she was to speak! What horror to be separated from Neiji like this. She watched, heartbroken, as servants put their luggage in a cart as her father and the Daimyō Hiruzen Sarutobi were speaking. The old man approached her after some time, his father by his side and Hinata curtsied immediately, eyes on the ground.

"Young lady, I wish you a pleasant journey. The Kingdom of Wind is a beautiful place, who could only dream of competing with your beauty, though", the Daimyō told her with a voice corroded by time.

"You're too kind, Your Highness. Suna could not hope to compete with Konoha", she replied, blushing prettily; men always enjoyed when women blushed at their compliments, and she had mastered the art of blushing at will.

"Well spoken", the old man laughed. "Hiashi, your daughter is without a doubt one of the loveliest Yggalën ladies I've ever had the pleasure to encounter", he added.

Hinata clenched her jaws. Why did he feel compelled to exclude Yggalën women like this? None of the ones she had met was how he seemed to think.

"Isn't this your nephew running towards us?"

Hinata quickly looked up and turned around. Neiji was running towards her at human speed, a box in his hand. He bowed before the Daimyō, who waved his salutations away, then turned to Hinata and handed her to box.

"Hinata, this is for you. I had it forged", he added.

"Oh, Neiji, thank you! May the Nine bless you!"

She opened the box and her eyes widened. A pair of bracelets made for her upper arms were resting on a pillow of red velvet. The bracelets had the shape of a snake, the symbol of their clan. She grabbed them and observed them, mesmerized. They were splendid!

"They're made of luthèn. This metal keeps the form it was shaped into, but it's flexible enough to be put on and off as you wish. Allow me", he offered, and Hinata nodded, smiling.

Neiji carefully spread the metal and delicately put the bracelets on her naked arms. Once in place, the bracelets tightened around her arms and stayed in place, immobile although Hinata was twirling to make sure they would not fall.

"Neiji, they're marvellous!" she exclaimed.

"I knew they'd be to your liking", he replied, smiling.

She jumped in his arms and he spun her around before putting her down before him, their smiles so different - Hinata's one was discrete and soft, Neiji's larger and mischievous - but so alike for both expressed nothing but affection and trust.

After kissing him goodbye, Hinata climbed into the coach, followed by Hamya, Hanika, her father, and the Hokage. She opened the curtain, waved goodbye to Neiji one last time and the horses started their slow pace. The journey for Suna started, and apprehension twisted her stomach. Would the inhabitants of Suna react negatively at the sight of her golden skin? Or would they be more welcoming and understanding the ones of Konoha? She dreaded the looks and comments she had received on her appearance and the women of her beloved homeland.

She glanced at the Hokage. Jiraiya. She had never had the opportunity to be alone with the mage, but she would not complain about it. His eyes were cold and distant, his manners lacking, and he seemed uninterested by everything. She had no idea what she could tell him but the rare civilities they had sometimes exchanged. His presence uneased her. He had never done nor said anything inappropriate to her and a few years ago, she would have been ecstatic to meet a mage as renowned as the Hokage, but now that she knew the fate dooming all the other mages of the kingdom and his participation in this slaughter, she could not trust him.

The journey was uneventful, albeit long, and they soon reached Suna's steppes. Despite the blazing warmth of the region, could not help but admire it. Far different from the Yggalën verdant plains, the steppes were still, in their own way, full of life. Wild animals ran from their convoy and or watched it from afar, perched on rocks. Charmed, she invited Hamya and Hanika to observe the landscape with her. They gazed upon the beauty of the steppes as immense and beautiful birds flew above their heads, their braids and loose locks carried by the wind. Hinata closed her eyes, enjoying the wind caressing her face and dancing with her hair.

When they arrived at Suna, the night was falling to Hinata's dismay. She would have loved to visit the palace's gardens with her cousins and find a kiosk where they could settle to be at peace and far away from uninteresting political debates. Hinata would never be more than the Great Lady of Yggalë, she had no need to assist to the negotiations between Daimyō, or future Daimyō in her father's case.

They were welcomed by a man with a heavily scarred face and a woman with orange and black hair; how strange! Hinata had never such hair colour, but she refrained herself from staring the woman's hair and politely bowed before the strangers.

"My lord, I'm Baki, the Kazekage, and this is my apprentice, Pakura. His Highness has ordered me to welcome you and escort you to the great hall. A dinner has prepared when we noticed your convoy", the man said in a monotonous tone.

As they followed Baki and Pakura in the corridor, Hinata looked around her. The architecture of Suna was very different from the one of Pearlforest, or even Konoha for that matter! Where Pearlforest had flat ceiling and rectangular doors, everything in Suna was round, even the windows, and the doors were made of a heavier wood, from what she could tell. She noticed that there were more guards than in Konoha, but it was most likely due to the Daimyō's reunion, and she did not give much care about it.

Once before two impressive wooden doors guarded by two men, Hinata readjusted her dress and her twin braids. It was without a doubt the great hall, and she had to make the utter best impression that she could. She glanced at Hanika and Hamya, who tenderly smiled at her before stepping behind her. She did not like the idea of her cousin being behind her, implying that they were nothing more but ladies in waiting for her, but protocol demanded it.

The doors were opened for them and Hinata strengthened her back, holding herself gracefully and followed her father. They were announced by an elderly man with a powerful voice, and the wind Daimyō, Rasa Hisuna, stood up. On his left were princess Temari and prince Kankurō, and on his right, his wife Karura and the prince Gaara, who rumours said was cursed and dangerous. Yet, from what Hinata could see in the youngest prince's eyes, he merely looked lonely, as if no one had ever offered the warmth of a loving embrace. She felt her heart sadden for the prince with hair as red as a rose.

Most likely feeling eyes on him, he looked at her and she offered a sincere and soft smile and bowed before his family. He raised his glass like the other Hisunas, but there was no heart behind his action. He was akin to a doll someone used. Hinata felt her heart tighten again for him. Why did he seem so lonely, so sad? Had some woe befallen him? Or was it because of his curse, who would prevent him from going under the sun? If that was the case, he must feel trapped in a kingdom where the sun ruled as the master!

He looked at her again and he felt her cheeks go red, understanding she had been looking at him for several minutes now. She immediately looked down to her plate when she heard Hamya and Hanika giggle. She raised her head and saw they were mischievously smiling.

"Miss, I didn't think you'd be charmed so quickly by the prince!", Hamya laughed.

"What... What are you implying?", Hinata stuttered, unprepared.

"Don't pretend to be foolish", Hanika giggled. "Neiji might be your best friend, but we recognize this blush", she added, winking at her.

"You're being silly", Hinata scolded. "Implying such things is vile."

"We'll gladly accept our fate", Hanika replied. "Why not invite the prince to dance when the minstrels will sing something livelier?"

"I beg your pardon?", she choked.

"Oh yes!", Hamya intervened. "It's a dare, miss. It would change you from Neiji. You need new dance partners."

"He doesn't strike me as someone who would enjoy dancing", Hinata replied, trying her best to get herself out of this predicament; her cousins loved gossiping. "I don't want to force into something he doesn't enjoy."

"Don't be foolish. He's expected to dance, and so are you. So, dance with him, it will better than with a noble twice your age", Hanika replied in a tone that did not accept refusal.

"You..."

"Are right?" Hamya supplied. "Come on, what do you have to lose?"

"Nothing", she admitted. "He can't refuse, it would be ill-seen."

"Perfect!" sang Hamya. "If you don't go, I will drag you", she laughed.

Hinata could not help but giggle too. The scene would be quite hilarious.