Hi everyone ! Here's the ninth chapter! I hope you like it :3 don't hesitate to tell me what you thought of it :D

Chapter IX: The Great Lady of Yggalë.

It was mayhap noon, it was mayhap midnight, Hinata could not tell. Everything was faraway, distant. She had been sitting at her table for what seemed a short eternity, eyes lost, piercing the dull wall to gaze upon the splendour of Pearlforest and the happy days spent under the sun. She could almost hear Neiji's laugh. Yet, even the memory of her beloved cousin could not cure her from her lethargy and Hinata watched herself fix with eyes so empty they had become terrifying whoever walked through her doors.

The first had been Hamya and Hanika, eyes redden by tears and voices broken by sorrow. They had attempted to console her, to have her talk or take a bath, but Hinata saw herself watch them without saying a word nor moving. Her cousins had walked her to the bathroom and delicately washed her, drying her body and dressing her without a word, respecting her silence. Since that moment, they took personal care of her, replacing her maids and making sure she ate.

How much time had passed? Hinata did not know; she did not feel anything. Her heart was akin to a blown candle, and she felt as empty as a porcelain doll any gush of wind would break in a thousand pieces. She tried to recall the number of baths she had taken, of meals that had been brought to her, but it was pointless. Her mind had not cared at the time, and she did not feel any more alive than the automats a merchant had once shown her.

The Hokage visited her too, kneeling before her and apologizing, vowing he would not fail again. She did not say a word, instead observing the man before her. It was strange. All of sudden, he did not seem this dangerous, as if his strength had evaporated. Had pain stolen her wits? She realized she did not care. Everything was so foreign and blurry that she had lost her voice and her fire. She felt alien to this world, a simple witness of what befell the land of men who did not find it more interesting than knights found embroidery.

When the Hokage left, she did not move and simply stared at where he knelt. She remained immobile, akin to a doll, during a period she could not describe. She felt like something could occur at any instant whilst time itself seemed both elongated and crushed. What a queer feeling. She rose a hand and moved her fingers, observing the movement of her members. Her body relied on her mind, but her mind was broken; did it mean that her body was nothing but sword without owned, doomed to be used by anyone who stumbled upon it? It would be tragic. Mayhap they would write a song about her, the Yggalën who had lost her wit.

The door opened again, and Hamya announced someone, but Hinata did not listen. Someone entered her field of vision and she instinctively glanced at the newcomer. It was the prince Gaara. An eternity ago, his sight would have enthralled her and his voice bewitched her. Today, although her stomach made a queer movement in her belly, she did not bow, she did not hide behind her curtsies. He could be furious or offended if he wished so; she did not care at all.

"Miss Hinata, you hear me, do you not?", he said; his voice was worried.

She turned her gaze towards him and lowered her hand. From the corner of the eye, she saw her cousins exchange a look and leave the room, leaving her alone with the prince. His arms were crossed on his torso, and his hands were clenching his biceps. She watched him wait for a reply and realizing she had no intention to say anything. His eyes saddened, and he slowly approached a hand to hers, hesitating. Finally, he took her hand in his and softly squeezed it. She felt her eyes widened at the sudden gesture and he gazed into her eyes.

"I am not used to become fond of people… Yet, my heart bleeds when I see you in such pain and keeps me awake all night; your sorrow haunts me, and I wish to see you smiling and well. How may I relieve you?"

Hinata blinked a few times then bit her lip. She felt like she was returning to her body at the rhythm of his words. As if his voice had some mysterious effect on her. She distantly wondered if he was stealing Neiji's place in her heart but realized it was not true; he was settling near her cousin in a different albeit of equal importance place. Her mind wandered to the evening of their encounter and the words they had exchanged; she had grown fond of him so fast. Was her heart so big that the young mage had easily settled in it?

A mage… Her father would have never approved of this fondness. She had never talked of this subject again with him, and she had always loathed this part of him. She had imagined a thousand speech she could make to convince of the goodness of her beliefs, of the truth of her opinion. Yet, she had never done it. She had never been able to forgive the slaughters he had committed that had made him a monster deserving to be tormented by the One of Wrath in person. She should be saddened by the loss of a man such had him; she should be celebrating the death of a murderer. Yet, her heart proved itself incapable of such thing, and she could not understand why.

"I cannot remember the last words he said to me."

Her voice was hoarse and her tone monotonous, so different from her usual singing tone. For how long had she remained silent? Her belly violently twisted, and she instinctively put a hand on it as her throat tightened. Everything seemed to return at once. Emotions, feelings, senses. They were twirling in her mind like the howling winds of the One of Air. The words began escaping her, and she confessed her tormented feelings as tears furrowed her cheeks.

"I did not truly speak to him since Hanabi's birth. On this day, I learnt he loathed mages and that they are hunted like animals in my kingdom. I was furious, I swore myself I would never forgive the innocent blood on his hands. I remember wishing the One of Wrath would take him. I never told him, I carried this scorn all these years. Yet, despite everything he did, pain will not leave my heart. I should not be grieving for a murderer like him and yet…

"He was your father and loved you more than anything", the prince intervened in a queer voice. "I understand your confusion. If you wish for an ear to talk to, I'm at your service."

"How can you understand it? Have you ever felt such thing?", she replied, holding his gaze.

"Every day. My relationship with the One of Wrath is not as simple as some may think. But it doesn't matter; my feelings are of no importance today. Only yours are."

If it had been any other day, Hinata would have insisted on sharing his burden. Today, however, she was uncapable of it. Her heart was beating wildly, threatening to break her ribs and escape from her chest, and she let her sorrow run free. The strength to resist had exhausted her, and she was empty, as if all the energy of her body had been carried away by the wind. Falling in the arms of the prince, she broke down in tears, her entire body shaken by sobs.

Hinata could her heartbeats in her head, hitting on her temples like a hammer slammed on an anvil. Her body hurt because of the endless sobs, but she felt her spirit lighten and recuperate, every tear shed being one less weight on her soul. The prince was holding her against him, supporting her exhausted body with his warm arms, and she remained nestled there long after her tears had dried. She felt as well as when she was in Neiji's arms. The feeling was different but equally enjoyable.

When she parted from him, she noticed that his cheeks were as red as the sunset and she put her hands on her face, also feeling a pleasing burn. He grabbed something in his coat before delicately taking one of her hands and putting the object here. Hinata looked down and saw chain to which was suspended a queer translucid medallion shaped like a thin and pointy flask in which she distinguished a black fog.

"I had this made for you. The flask is filled with a part of my shadow. Should you ever be in danger, break it. I will do everything in my power to come to your aid", he said.

She immediately looked at him, bewildered his gesture.

"M-My prince… You shouldn't have, I don't deserve such a present…", she stammered, taken aback.

"You saved me when no one else would have dared approach me. You offered me your friendship, you smile, you stayed despite the monster sleeping within me. This is a small present in exchange…"

Hinata felt her heart go wild again, but grief was not the cause. Cheeks as hot as the One of Embers' infernos, she stood up on her tiptoes and kissed the prince's cheeks. As she put her heels back on the ground, she saw his widened eyes and could not help but giggle. He smiled lightly when he heard it, and she decided she ought to gift too. She simply had to find a suitable present.

"You're too good… You dried my tears; you offer me a medallion you enchanted yourself… I will never be able to repay you, my prince."

"Gaara, miss. My name is Gaara. Please, use it instead of my title, for no one calls me like this without disdain or fear. I would like to hear it with your voice."

"In this case, you must call me Hinata, Gaara", she replied, taking his hands in her.

"You honour me, Hinata", he said, looking at their joined hands.

"Then, we honour each other", she softly said.

Their eyes met, and Hinata felt like she was drowning in his splendid aquamarine orbs. Her skin agreeably burnt were their hands were joined, a sweet warmth akin to the one heating her cheeks. She bit her lip and, moved by emotions and feelings she had never experienced before, moved closer to Gaara. He lowered his head towards her, and they remained in this position full of hesitation for what seemed to be an eternity to Hinata. Finally, tired of waiting and guided by her instinct, she rose on her tiptoes and clumsily put her lips against the ones of the prince with aflame hair.

He stayed still for a short second before pressing his lips back. They were clumsy, and the sensation was queer and objectively quite unpleasant, but Hinata felt like flying. The wind seemed to be running on her skin and dancing in her hair. The sun was shining in her heart, lightening her entire body. Moving away from him was like stopping running as fast she could, and euphoria left her almost as swiftly as it had invaded her. She quickly let go of his hands and looked down, cheeks afire.

But Gaara took back one of her hands and she looked at him again. He was blushing as much if not more than her. He gulped and looked at the hand he had taken, as if he had moved solely by instinct. After a short instant, he hand-kissed her longer than tradition asked and strengthened up.

"Hinata, I should let you rest, don't hesitate to come and find me if you are in need of anything."

And then, he was gone.

Hinata fell on the sofa of her bedroom and touched her lips, barely acknowledging Hamya and Hanika when they walked back in her room. Her cousins approached her with light feet, seemingly afraid to disrupt her. Hinata felt her heart tightened. Had she been so awful to her cousins? She ought to properly apologize. They had fed her and washed all this time, and she had remained insensitive to their pain. She had been so self-centred!

"Hamya, Hanika, I am sorry", she said, bowing to them. "I was unworthy of your care and your love; I hope you will one day forgive my attitude."

"Miss, don't apologize!" Hanika vividly replied, running to her side. "We love you, and we will never blame you for grieving! If only you what happiness hearing your voice brings us."

Hinata took her elder cousin's hands and tenderly squeezed them.

"In that case, I shall never go silent like this again", she vowed.

She could not allow herself to be consumed by grief and confusion again. Her father was in the Gold Fields next to the One of Power, with the Daimyōs and lords who had walked this earth before him, and she would one day join him. This was not farewell, but goodbye. She was now the Great Lady of Yggalë, the head of her clan. She ought to be as strong as her lady mother, who had not once cried the absence of her father.

"I ignore what the prince said to give you back your smile, but I shall always be thankful", Hamya declared whilst sitting by her side.

"At the thought of Gaara, Hinata felt her cheeks burn as she thought of the short kiss they had exchanged, which she had initiated herself! It was so embarrassing once the euphoria gone. She put her hands on her cheeks, trying to stop the flames heating them up. Nevertheless, it was doomed to fail and Hamya's eyes lit up.

"Oh, I think I know exactly what happened", she mused.

"Hamya, don't embarrass miss Hinata like this! What befell between her and the prince is private, and we should be grateful she's feeling better", Hanika scolded. "Don't listen to her miss."

"Does this make me a horrible person? To have felt such euphoria after… after what happened", she asked.

"No", Hamya firmly replied. "No one can blame if you find love or smile. If the Mother of All called lord Hiashi to her side, she had a reason, and we cannot blame ourselves for accepting his departure."

Hanika sighed, took Hinata's hands in hers and plunged her eyes in Hinata's ones.

"It was terribly said, but Hamya is right, miss. You're perfectly within your right to find happiness and enjoy it; your father would not want to suffer or cry. He's without a doubt watching you, and I'm sure he's more than happy to see you have a suitor as noble as the prince, who already proved his valour by saving you! You are the Snowborn, who came in this world on an exceptional day; you're bound to make exceptional deeds."

Hinata bit her lip. Her father would surely be furious of knowing she had grown fond a mage – especially the One of Wrath – but Hanika was right. She was allowed to be happy. After all, her grandparents had passed away a long time ago, and her parents had been happy. Why should she stop herself from being happy? Should she doom herself to a life of misery and grief? She got up, determined. She would not cry for death but would celebrate life; such was the Yggalën way.

"You are right; I cannot punish myself for enjoying life. I will always carry the loss of my father, but I shan't let it control my mind again. We must organize our return to Konoha and the funerals. Would you call for lord Jiraiya, please? I'd like to speak with him of what we should do."

Hinata internally congratulated herself for her firm and proud. She had spoken with dignity, the way a Great Lady was expected to. She could no longer allow herself to be a child. She was a soon-to-be fourteen years old lady; it was time she grew wiser.

"Yes, my lady", Hanika replied with a proud smile.

The Hokage joined her a few seconds later, clad in mourning clothes; according to Hanika, the old man kept her door day and night since the attack, and, if he had to leave his post for some reason, did not went away for more than ten minutes. Hinata invited Jiraiya to sit with her on the balcony as her cousins stood behind her to bring her their support.

"Miss Hinata, allow me to tell you how relieved I am. You seem much healthier than when I visited you yesterday", he said.

"I am grateful for your care, my lord. My mind was plagued by pain, but hours of prayers allowed me to regain my strength."

The lie had come so easily that Hinata herself was surprised. She usually loathed false words, but she could not tell the truth. Her father had once told her Konoha was a city of vultures, and she had witnessed it herself. If she lied solely to protect her own and ensure her survival, the gods might forgive her. If it was not the case, she would accept the sentence they would see fit.

"I'm glad to hear this. How may I help you?"

"I would like to know when we'll leave the Kingdom of Wind. My father must receive funerals worthy of his title, and his bones must be returned to Pearlforest so he may rest with his ancestors."

"His Highness will surely insist on burying your lord father with the other Daimyōs, miss", the Hokage replied.

Hinata gulped and folded her hands on her laps. The Yggalëns got their strength from the forest and at their deaths, they returned to the forest. If she did not to celebrate her father's actions and claim him as a hero, she could publicly do so before asserting her authority. She only hoped the gods would forgive her.

"I understand; my father would have been the greatest Daimyō the Kingdom of Fire would have known and it's only natural he should rest with the other monarchs of our land. Yet, my clan gives to the sepulchres of their people paramount importance, and I fear I must insist. Of course, His Majesty will have the final word but I have no doubt he will listen to the Hyūgas traditions," she replied in a tone as soft as a breeze.

"Of course, miss, I have no doubt that the Hyūgas are less attached to their lost ones than the other clans. I'm sure His Majesty will be touched by your sincere words", the man said and Hinata felt herself furiously flush; he was laughing at her. "Maybe will I be of more help regarding our return to Konoha? I cannot decide for His Majesty, after all."

"Of course, my lord. It would presumptuous from us to speak in the name of His Majesty", she said, and he nodded.

"I thought we could leave once you'd feel better and, if you wish, I may arrange our departure for tomorrow", he offered. "The Water Daimyō offered to leave Suna with us so we may enjoy her support until Konoha. She seemed ready to accommodate us regarding the date of our departure."

"That would perfect, my lord. Have Her Highness Mei know I will forever be grateful for her help and that I would be honoured to travel in her company, please", Hinata replied.

"Of course, miss. I'll let you rest now, I don't doubt that you're exhausted, despite your recovery."

"Thank you, my lord. My body is horribly tired, and sleep calls to me."

The Hokage left and Hinata clenched her fists and her jaws. Miss. He had called her "miss" and not "my lady". She was Great Lady of Yggalë, now, he ought to treat like so and not like some child. She held the same power as lady Kushina Uzumaki of Laguloé, lord Fugaku Uchiha of Pràyol, and lord Asuma Sarutobi of Qiyén! Her age did not matter. After all, her own father had become lord at the age of fifteen, and she did not doubt that he had never been called "young lord" instead of "my lord". Why was she insulted like this? She breathed deeply. It was not like her to be so irritable, and she ought to control herself.

"They'll never return the bones of lord Hiashi, will they?", Hamya bitterly asked.

"No", Hanika replied. "I'm sorry my lady."

Hinata felt some tears running down her cheeks and closed her eyes, allowing her heart to express itself. If she would never allow her feelings to be perceived by those she loathed, she did not have to refrain herself with Hamya and Hanika.

"Mother will be heartbroken to hear it… My poor mother…", she murmured as she leaned on the balcony railing, eyes lost in the distant.

Her cousins stood by her side. Hamya turned her back to the steppes, arms crossed on her chest and hands clenched around her biceps whilst Hanika had her fingers laced in her back and her chin up. Hinata tenderly smiled despite the few tears. Hamya and Hanika were sometimes as different as the moon and the sun, often sharp-tonged and amused by every situation, but they were also loyal, fiercely loving and braver than a knight. Neiji's absence was a deep wound in her heart, but the presence of her two cousins was a balm easing the pain.