Hello everyone! Here's the seventh chapter! This one was a bitch to translate from French and I'm not sure everything is perfect... Oh well, I hope you'll still have a good time reading it :D don't hesitate to review ;) Especially since it ends with cliff-hanger mwahahaha !

Alia Rubrik : Yeah, Gaara is discovering what a crush is, but poor boy has no idea how to handle his feelings ^^ This chapter is from Hinata's point of view, so you'll have her point of view of the situation :3

Chapter VII: The lonely prince.

Hinata had been tempted to run after the prince, but it would have been insulting from her part. No matter how much she wished to reassure him, she was not foolish enough to believe he was ready to continue their discussion. Sitting on her bed in her night gown, she instead focused on how to be forgiven for her rudeness. If only she had remained silent and had respected his wishes, he would not have been in pain. She had to apologize and accept his decision, whatever it would be. Yet, how could she present him her truest apologies? She thought for a moment; he was unable to walk under the sun, and thus offering him a stroll in the gardens would be stupid.

Mayhap a lunch in one of the nooks of the palace would suit him better. He seemed to enjoy solitude, and she would have to dismiss Hamya and Hanika for this lunch, but her cousin would be without a doubt considerate. They would surely laugh at her, but Hinata did not mind; it was not contemptuous but affectionate. A lunch would thus be the best possible way to talk to him. She would have to talk about it with her maid in the morning and would have her carry it to the prince.

Dear prince Gaara,

My attitude last night was inappropriate, and I beg you to forgive my insistence and my rudeness. If you do not loathe my company, I would like to have lunch with you tomorrow to present you this noon to present you my truest apologies.

Best regards,

Lady Hinata Hyūga.

As she let ink dry, her eyes fell on the hand he had slapped away, and she could remember his eyes as he realised his movement. He had looked taken aback and horrified, mayhap believing he had hurt her. Hinata sighed sadly. This poor prince was nothing but loneliness and pain, but for her neither the monster sealed within him nor the powers resulting from the god. He was not responsible for the god's actions. She had been bewildered by his confession; she did not think than sealing one of the Nine was achievable.

However, she had recalled the legends and songs telling the colossal battle opposing the One of Battles and the One of Wrath, which had ended by the victory of the One of Battles. Had the destructive god been continuously sealed since that time? It would explain why he never appeared, contrary to his siblings whose incarnations and voices were sometimes heard throughout the world.

Moreover, why would the prince lie? A story as unbelievable as this one could not only be a creation of his mind, and she could have seen his truthfulness in his eyes. He seemed to be perfectly honest. It was highly possible that he had never had to lie, now that she thought of it. If everyone fears you, why bother trying to please them with empty words and false promises? It would be significant waste of time.

Hinata read her letter one last time before slipping in her bed. She could share her thoughts at lunch and learn to know him if he did not curse her existence. She shuddered at the idea of having wounded him and bit her lip. She would have ruined any chance to form a positive relationship with one of the highest dignitaries in the Kingdom of Wind! What shame it would be for her clan. She curled up under her blankets and her eyes fell on the bracelets offered by Neiji. If only he was here, he could make everything right…

She was awakened around ten o'clock in the morning by a maid bringing her breakfast. Hinata sat at her table and entrusted the letter to the young woman, who gulped upon learning to whom she was meant to bring it. Hinata smiled softly to reassure her; there was nothing to fear.

"Don't worry. Bring him the letter, please, there is no reason for the prince to be mad at you", she said.

The maid nodded, hesitant, then bowed and left. Hinata sighed. If every soul in the castle acted this way around the prince, it was no surprise he was convinced all feared him. They seemed to believe he was the One of Wrath himself or that the god would take over his body to devour them. She understood being afraid of the One of Wrath – she herself was scared of him, after all – but if the god had not been freed until then, was it necessary or even rational to be afraid? Hinata lightly shook her head and, once her breakfast over, called for Hanika and Hamya.

"You invited the prince for lunch?", Hamya exclaimed before mischievously smiling. "You're braver than I thought, miss!", she laughed.

"Don't be silly; I was rude to him last night, and I wish to properly ask for his forgiveness. Help me pick a dress, instead of laughing at my foolishness", she added as the sisters giggled.

They opened the wardrobe were Hinata's clothes had been carefully hung and laid her favourite sets on her bed to pick the one which would make her look as beautiful as possible. After several attempts and debates, they picked a traditional coloured dress of the Kingdom of Fire. She had been offered some dresses of the Kingdom of Wind but Hinata could not hide her arms under her long sleeves and her hair under the headdresses going with the dresses. Once clad in silver and emerald, she put on her white gold jewels and let her cousins do her hair.

"You're beautiful, miss. I'm sure the prince will be charmed upon seeing you", Hamya said.

"I don't want to charm him; I want to apologize", Hinata replied, looking at her cousin's reflection in the mirror.

Hamya rolled her eyes and waved her words away.

"Even your sister wouldn't believe this lie! You were as red as the Uzumaki banners in his company."

Hinata felt her cheeks burst into flames as she thought of the dances shared with the prince. Could her cousins not end their jesting? She put her hands on her burning cheeks and breathed deeply. Those were only jests; she could not allow herself to be affected each time.

"What beautiful red cheeks you have, miss!", Hanika laughed.

"Stop laughing", she falsely admonished them, although she could not repress a small smile.

In the end, they all laughed about it until there was a knock on the door. Hamya opened and the maid who had Hinata's breakfast politely bowed before them.

"My lady, His Highness wishes to let you know he won't be able to accept your invitations due to his health", she said, her eyes on the ground.

Hinata's heart sunk and she suppressed a gag. Everything seemed away and silent, as if she was not the mistress of her own body and floated above the scene. She swallowed, her hands shaking, and distantly noticed Hamya and Hanika were watching her, eyes filled with compassion. She cleared her throat and forced a dignified smile to appear on her face.

"Of course, the banquet last night must have exhausted him. Give the prince my best wishes, please."

The maid left and Hinata let her eyes fell on her reflection. She had tried to look as beautiful as she could, had hoped so much he would allow her to apologize! She had been such a fool! If only Neiji was here, he would know how to untwist her belly and calm the frantic beatings her of heart. She swallowed a sob of despair. She missed her cousin so much! He would know how to make things better. Her heart contracted and she quickly got up. Her cousins ran to her side to embrace her but Hinata held herself as straight as she could and crossed her hands on her belly before offering them a soft smile.

"Don't worry about me, everything is alright. I'm going to pray and hope the gods advise me on how I can earn the prince's forgiveness."

She was relived her voice had not faltered. She took with her some sheets, ink and a feather and left her chamber to go to the temple of the palace.

A guard showed her the way and Hinata easily found the sacred place, located deep in the outside gardens. Nine trees were growing around it; one of eight of the Nine, and one for the Mother of All. As always, the One of Wrath had no tree, no lula, no shrine. No one but fanatics wanted to hear his words, and thus he was a voiceless god, a mute god. She closed her eyes for a second before climbing the stairs. The One of Air had many offerings, but Hinata was not surprised; after all, she was in the Kingdom of Wind. Hinata kneeled before the shrine of the One of Woods, where many flowers were blooming, and joined her hands, her eyes towards the god's statue.

"Ô, One of Woods, god protector of children and forests… Hear my prayers and look after the prince… His heart is tormented and his eyes lonely… Give him friendship and love…", she whispered.

The seventh god was represented as a young man with short hair and his face hidden under her hood. He seemed so kind, so soft. Hinata smiled tenderly. She hoped he would listen to her prayer and offered to the prince the companionship he so desperately needed. Then, she prayed for Neiji before writing him a letter; he was surely worried about her.

Beloved Neiji,

Suna is a beautiful city, and I weep every second because of your absence. I will pray for your well-being every night. I have had the occasion of meeting the prince Gaara, whose forgiveness I wish to earn; I have been very rude to him, I asked questions I should not have asked.

How I wish you were here to hold me in your arms! We could enjoy the palace together. People here are much kinder than in Konoha. I received no remarks on my skin nor did I hear on Yggalën women! It's so refreshing, I mourn that you cannot enjoy it.

How do you fare? Are you safe? Father insists that Konoha is dangerous but refused to take you. I am furious he dared doing this to you! Write me as soon as this letter finds you, please, and reassure you.

Your devoted cousin Hinata.

The three other Daimyō arrived at different hours of the day, and Hinata could not help but think of the beautiful banquet that would take place in the evening. All these noble guests would surely have marvellous and fascinating stories to tell, and their minstrels would know songs she had never heard. Nevertheless, she could not help but think of the amazing evening she had the past evening, and her heart clenched in her chest. She wanted to approach the prince at this banquet but could not; she would be far too insistent if she did so. If only she had not been this impolite… She was such a fool! It was only expected that the prince refused to see her!

Hinata kept the emerald dress she had put on in the morning for the banquet and her eyes wandered swiftly on the crowd and found the ruler of Kingdom of Water. The Water Daimyō was a splendid woman named Mei Terumi and her Mizukage a young man named Yagura Karatachi. Despite their beauty, Hinata could not help but shudder. The Kingdom of Water had punishing and terrible laws and, according to rumours, Mizukage were chosen for their thirst for blood. Once she would have doubted such words but today, she was not as naïve as she used to be, and she made sure to remain away from the Kage and the Daimyō. It was easy, for none of them were interested in her.

Despite this, the banquet was a disaster as far as Hinata was concerned. Even if the prince sometimes observed her, he would look away as soon their eyes met. She had irrevocably hurt him, that was now sure. Even the dances and music could not better her mood and Hinata ran to her chamber as soon as she could. Hamya and Hanika had offered to accompany her, but she had refused; she wanted to be alone with her thoughts and her regrets.

Once the door was closed, Hinata removed her jewels and untied her hair, allowing to gracefully fall under her backside. She looked at her reflection for a second before turning away, took her harp and sat on the balcony. Everyone was still at the banquet and she would in peace. She looked at the crescent moon above her and smiled sadly, thinking once again of the prince she had wounded. She breathed and sang, hoping to ease her soul.

The world is young, shimmering and fair

When the Walker awakes, bare.

As he travels, names he delivers

To hills, mountains and rivers.

The Mother of All hears his deeds,

To the first man a crown she gives.

The Walker sits on a stars-made throne

And leads the world with a horn.

He names a great mountain after her,

Erin, Mother Of All, who makes it shimmer

But the Walker is just a human,

And his life like a silk ribbon.

When the Walker is laid in his tomb

Erin takes him in her womb.

One day, the Walker will wake again

And to peace and joy lead men.

The way was unbelievably hot even for the Kingdom of Wind, and Hinata chose to spend her afternoon in the indoor gardens of the palace. She had learnt of their existence by her maid and had concluded it would they would be the perfect place to spend the afternoon. Once ready, she knocked on her cousins' door, who shared the room next to hers. Hamya opened the door and seemed surprised to find her here.

"Miss! What can I do for you?"

"I learnt there are indoor gardens and I thought I could visit them with you. Is Hanika still asleep?", she asked.

"Oh no, she's awake! My foolish sister drank more wine than a soldier after a battle and now she suffers the consequences", the younger sister explained, a mischievous smile on her face.

"I see", Hinata giggled. "Look after her. Do you want me to send something for her if I find a maid?", she offered.

"No, don't worry. You'll have to tell us everything about the gardens, and we'll go tomorrow!"

"It would be my pleasure", Hinata replied before looking inside the chamber to see Hanika groaning in pain on the bed. "Rest well, Hanika!", she laughed before leaving.

Hinata easily found the garden and was overjoyed to see they were filled with blooming flowers thanks to tainted windows stopping the sun from burning the plants. She sat on a bench near a rose tree and started embroidering the gardens around her. It would one of the numerous presents she would bring to Neiji when this journey would end, and she focused and worked as precisely as she could; she wanted to offer him the most beautiful embroidery she could make.

As she was finishing the details of a rose, Hinata heard footsteps. She swiftly looked up and saw the prince Gaara, firmly walking towards her. Her eyes widened. Would he allow her to apologize? Or would he tell her that her letter was an insult he had burned? She bit the inside of her cheek, anxiety twisting her stomach.

"Miss Hinata, would you have a few minutes to spare?", he asked.

"Of course! May I help you?", she replied, and she got up quickly to curtsy, cut out of her thoughts by his deep voice.

"I was terribly rude to you yesterday. I shouldn't have declined your invitation the way I did, but I was furious at myself for hurting you", he confessed.

His eyes were on the ground, and Hinata could see his hands clench around his crossed arms. She felt a soft smile appear on her face. She walked towards him and showed him her hand.

"It was nothing, it didn't hurt", she said. "See for yourself, I have no mark."

He looked up and plunged his eyes into her. She remained silent and immobile, allowing him to observe her as he wished. It was obvious he was a man of few words and thought of every of his sentences. He was so alone; he had surely never met someone acting spontaneously in his presence the way she had.

"You are the strangest person I've ever met. Are your people all like you?"

"No, only me. My cousin Neiji and I are similar on several aspects but he's more serious than me. Being a squire forced him to discipline himself", she replied.

"I see. I don't understand why you're not afraid; it is troubling to think someone might fearlessly approach me", he said.

"I would lie if I told you the One of Wrath doesn't frighten me, but you're not him, no matter what he's done to you or what people may think."

"Are you not afraid that he might control me and forced me to hurt you?"

"No. I have faith in you, and I doubt a god may be interested in a mere human like me", she replied with a smile.

He solemnly nodded and seemed to be thinking of what he would say when a loud explosion shrilled, deafening Hinata. She put her hands on her ears as rubbles were hurled in the garden, tearing trees down and crushing plants. At the same time, the prince's shadow shot up and formed a shield around them. Hinata yelled in fear as a rubble hit the shadow wall, but the stone did not go through their protection. Hinata's eyes widened. She wished she could observe the shadows moved by magic, but now was not the time. They were under attack.

"Get down!" the prince ordered.

Hinata instinctively obeyed his authoritarian voice. She kneeled on the ground, her hands on her ears and her eyes shut tight as she heard the chaotic symphony of destruction. What was happening? Who attacked them? The five Kage were reunited, they would crush the assailants!

As soon as they had begun, the explosion stopped, and Hinata looked at the prince Gaara while slowly removing her hands from her hears. He was standing next to her, arms crossed, as shadows were licking his skin, sometimes fog-like, akin to mist submitted to his will. His silhouette was almost ethereal, similar to one of the Nine walking the land of men.

Hinata was brought back to reality by the arrival of five masked individuals, and her eyes widened upon seeing them as her body shuddered. What did they want? Who had sent them? An enemy of the Kingdom of Wind? Or an enemy of the five Daimyō? She got up, looking around her for a way out to run away with the prince. She was not sure she could get him out at her best speed, but she could surely find a way. The prince's shadows could surely be useful to achieve this fit. However, the men were blocking all the exits and she was not confident she could avoid them all while helping someone to get away. If she was alone, she could flee, but she would not let the prince behind. She was a proud Hyūga, future Great Lady of Yggalë, and she would not abandon anyone.

"Your Highness, we're not here for you. We only want the girl", one of their enemies purred.

Hinata gasped and staggered back, her stomach twisted, a feeling of cold invading her entire body, freezing her blood in her veins and petrifying her where she stood. They were for her. They wanted to kill her. Her hands shook as she frantically looked around her, looking for a solution. Her legs were weak, she could never run away from these criminals. The prince stood before her and Hinata saw his body tense like a bow.

"I have no intention of letting you hurt her. Who hired you?"

"Come on, we can't tell you, Your Highness. We'd be terrible at our job if we did."

"Questioning you would be a waste of time, and I won't take the risk of letting you live", the prince declared.

Hinata's eyes widened and, before she could say a word, shadows shot out in every direction and wrapped themselves around their preys, akin to snakes. The one she had identified like the leader of the group escaped the first few assaults but was finally captured like his companion. None of them could have resisted. None of them was ready for the prince's powers. Hinata felt his stomach twist and her energy leaving her body. They had truly come for her, she was their only target, and whoever had engaged this assassins had not planed for her to be protected by someone as powerful as the prince.

A cackling brought her back to reality and she looked at the prince before gasping. One of his aquamarine eyes had turned. The white had become black, the iris golden and the pupil had taken the shape of a black four-branches star. His canines, already longer than usual, were now fangs, and he was laughing at the sight of the men imprisoned in his shadows. Hinata distantly thought it had to be caused by the One of Wrath and his corruption. Before she could attempt anything to calm the prince, he opened his arms, a smile twisting his face.

Captive in the shadow binds, the assassins yelled something, but the sound was suffocated by their gags, and Hinata shuddered as she noticed tears running down their cheeks. They were terrified, they were surely feeling the same horror that had filled her when she had seen them, when she had understood they wanted to kill her. Their stomachs must be twisted and the abject impression of cold she had felt earlier must be invading at the frantic rhythm of their hearts.

"Goodbye", the prince chuckled.

He clapped his hands and Hinata witnessed, horrified, the shadows brutally contract themselves and crush the assassins' bodies. Blood and mangled flesh were projected, and she felt her legs giving up. She fell on her knees and had to use her hands for support, panting, eyes wide and locked on the carnage before her. None of them had survived. They were all dead, their souls going to the Gold Fields. Tears started to run down her cheeks. This is what the prince had been talking about. The reason why he was so dangerous. He killed. He killed people and found it enjoyable. Her stomach painfully clenched, and for a second, she thought she was going to throw up.

Hinata then heard a cry of pain. She swiftly looked up and saw the prince holding his head, his hands clawing at his skull. All of his muscles were tensed, and Hinata remained frozen. Suddenly, she saw tears running down his cheeks and jumped on her feet. The prince would never hurt her, she was horrible for doubting him! He had protected, opened the door to the One of Wrath's torment for her! She ought to help him, she ought to do something.

Hinata embraced the prince and kept her against her, hoping her presence would help him ground himself. The shadows furiously whirled around them, painfully slicing her skin in different places, but Hinata did not care and hugged him tighter. What could she do, what could she do, what could she do? How could she calm the One of Wrath?