The palace was in a frenzy. An amalgamation of sound echoed along the empty corridors, breathing life into every corner. To Sasuke, it seemed unnatural; he had, after all, just lost the majority of his family. The palace should have been quiet in mourning, yet it was filled with startlingly new sounds. The maids chattered tirelessly, unaware that their voices carried.
"Lord Sasuke has had a bride picked for him by the heavens."
"She's beautiful."
I heard they were already fighting, and that's all that ruckus was this morning.
"No, that was a storm, didn't you see the rain?
Do you mean the rain that only fell over the palace this morning?
I think it's a bad omen.
"It can't be a bad omen, showers bring flowers dove and what better for rain before shine on a wedding day! She'll be stunning."
Well, of course, she's beautiful; she was also a princess.
"I heard she didn't have a last name."
Then she can't have been a princess.
Sasuke rolled his eyes, walking away from their senseless chatter,
He returned to the king's chamber, the sitting room before his private quarters.
The others were gathered around a single table Listening intently to Jiraiya and Kakashi.
Sasuke rolled his eyes as he stepped forward.
"Whatever you are listening to so intently is probably not worth your time, and you know it."
"Now, Sasuke, don't be like that, Kakashi answered. I have plenty of material I have saved just for you."
I don't want it or need it; he said unceremoniously, dropping into a chair.
Temari and Tamaki are the two faces we don't know he began.
Slowly his eyes trailed along with the red trim of the walls.
Kiba, Shikamaru, you must be careful; I am aware that for the others, everyone here has had contact with one of the priestesses and is capable of vouching for them.
The other two are—an anomaly.
Shikamaru shrugged. "I trust her. She's here for help."
So you talked to her?
"Well, I didn't initiate combat like you did, so I talked to her."
Ignoring the jab, Sasuke turned to Kiba. Have you talked to Tamaki?
"Yes, I don't trust her. She has a cat."
The room fell into dumbfounded silence. Naruto chuckled. Kiba, that's, that's a stupid reason even for me.
Kiba scowled. "I love animals, okay. But cats are - mischievous and cunning, and she isn't much different. Her answer to every question I asked was,' I could be, or possibly, or dog boy in your dreams.'
Kiba rolled his eyes. I hate her."
Ignoring Kiba's tirade, Kakashi cleared his throat and began to speak.
"Tonight is the debut. You all return home with a bride and are convening here to acknowledge your marriage formally."
Shikamaru sighed
In front of everyone.
Naruto whined
"That means we have to wear the imperial arms suits! Those aren't comfortable at all."
It is tradition.
"Yeah, an old stupid tradition that we should change."
The tradition is not for us, Naruto. Your complaining will change nothing.
And if you were smart, Sasuke said with a smirk, you'd have had your handmaids line the insides in silk. It makes a difference.
There was a brief silence before the young men erupted into yelling
"Oy teme! How long have you had yours lined? I thought it was against protocol to have it altered!
Neji chuckled. I thought I was the only one to do it.
Kiba snarled, "those suits are itchy. You could have said something!"
Kakashi shrugged. I never found the suits to be that bad.
Jiraiya laughed. "I told you, boy, you never listen."
Line
The girls were quiet, standing at the shrine in elaborate colored gowns.
The atmosphere was ripe with anxiety. Most return home to announce their status. Brides, warrior brides preparing to rule with iron fists in debutante gloves.
Shoulders were tossed back, heads high, eyes sharp like the glint of a sword.
One by one, a priestess would be collected by her fiancé and vanish behind a bright flash of light.
When Tsunade and Hinata were the last two to remain, she cleared her throat.
Hinata, she called softly.
The girl in question tilted her head in a swift motion that indicated she was listening.
Tsunade raised a hand and turned the girl's head until they made eye contact.
"I had hoped it would be you that the gods picked. In all the years as a high priestess, I had begun to lose hope that the gods would one day intervene. But it was you and The young women you and your comrades have become that made them answer. You are my most gentle daughters, yet I have found myself baffled; there is a darkness in you that I must admit escaped my attention."
Hinata broke eye contact briefly before answering quietly, where there is great light; There will be great darkness. She paused, turning to take in the form of her fiancé on a dark steed followed by a familiar form. She smiled, then trim and hesitant.
Turning back to Tsunade, she squared her shoulders before answering.
"I believe I must be flexible. There is no person on this earth solely born of darkness, and the same must be true for beings of light. When I think of him, I think of a candle in a dark room, and if left alone, he'll burn out. I do not delude myself into believing he will ever step into the sun, but I find that it can be comfortable in the shadows. I have to believe this to be true; the implications otherwise could be catastrophic."
Tsunade nodded once, ending the conversation quietly before turning to Sasuke and bowing low at his approach. At his dismissing nodd, she turned, stepped into the portal, and disappeared with a flash of light.
Sasuke stayed seated, forcing her to look up at him before he slid gracefully to his feet.
My lady, he began,
My lord,
Their interactions flowed seamlessly, a bit of idle chatter they entertained with the half present mind of born and bred dignitaries.
"Typically, we would sit in a carriage through the town while you wave and pretend everything is okay."
He had her full attention now.
Unfortunately, today you do not have that Luxury. Hinata nodded; "naturally,"
she stepped forward, patting the currently docile beast on his side before looking back at Sasuke
"We are to address the people."
He nodded yes, though you will address our military as well.
Hinata nodded again, glancing briefly at the slowly fading sun. "Let us be off, then she said."
Planting her foot firmly in the stirrups, she swung herself into place, shifting her gown to her liking before glancing over to Sasuke, who gave her a peculiar look.
Blushing lightly under his attention, she asked, "did I do something wrong?"
No Sasuke answered; Before climbing onto his horse.
"Just the opposite, actually."
He nodded at her again, and together they set off towards the city.
The rounds of the pillars Were a peculiar affair.
It was as much a show of beauty as it was a show of power. They were warriors dressed as noblewomen. Demure only in looks, an illusion of one who had never taken a life, and for brief moments, one could believe that lie. But their danger rippled along the length of an arm and the swift turn ahead. The high born were, of course, intrigued, having only seen one or two of the priestess for ailments. However, there was a clear warning, approach at your own risk.
The duo charged forward, pushing towards the city in the heart of flame. Slowing as they passed the first round of guards. Sasuke turned his attention to Hinata. She had shifted, lifting her shoulders back and head high. He found himself admiring her dress, both the lady and the warrior. The black of a shiny breastplate glinted against the sun. He chuckled aloud at the odd placement, seeing how her neck was open and vulnerable. He flicked his eyes upward, catching the blush that was beginning to travel down her throat. He smirked and caught her eye.
She did not turn away. He nodded; the Uchiha colors suit you.
She smiled then, ah, a compliment?
An observation, he answered.
The trumpets sounded as they passed the gates into the city. Their horses drew closer. The streets were lined with the people, cheering and waving.
Sasuke grit his teeth
These people were so quick to forget that he was grieving.
A hand gently pressed down on his arm.
Startled, he looked up. She smiled softly
"Your pain is not forgotten. Bare with it for a while. We need only greet them, give a short speech and return".
He nodded, momentarily stunned that she had noticed his change in mood. He turned his head and nodded toward the people, and pushed forward.
It was at the city's center where the raised stage had been erected. Guards held the horses while they climbed down and made their way to the stage.
The crowd was quiet as he stepped forward.
Today I come before you to announce my betrothal to the one Hinata of the Heavenly hills.
Tomorrow she becomes your queen, Blessed by the mother herself. Let it be known that this country knows unity once more.
The crowd cheered
He spread his arm out, flipping his palm.
Hinata slipped her hand into his and stepped forward. Waiting for the cheers to die down.
As you know, she began our marriage will only solidify our strength. With the recent passing of our lord, we will strike out the shadow of darkness that attempts to break us apart. Your strength, and conviction, are a significant part of the might that we wield. Believe in the strength of our flame, and no one will ever snuff us out.
The flame will prevail.
The soldiers in front of the stage pounded their chests before dropping low.
"The flame will prevail"!
The sheets of the people erupted.
As the celebration in the city began, the two slipped away, climbing onto their horses and racing back to the palace grounds.
As they passed off their horses to the stablehand, Sasuke cleared his throat and asked awkwardly, how are you feeling. Hinata looked at him and smiled, just a little sore; the battle was fierce. She frowned. I'm not entirely up to your level, though. I suppose I'll just have to train more. Sasuke nodded. We'll train together from now on. Hinata was quiet for a moment and did- did you feel what I did during the fight?
Sasuke turned to look at her. That depends on what you felt last night.
Hinata blushed and turned away. Mumbling quietly.
Sasuke slowly breathed out through his nose before saying Hinata, I can't hear you.
Hinata took a deep breath and said clearly. You, I felt you. It was like - feeling your pulse in the palm of my hand.
Sasuke frowned. No, I didn't feel much beyond my own excitement.
Hinata paused; so- you're blocking me.
Sasuke shrugged,
Hinata frowned and then spun around. We still have hours before the banquet. Meet me in the healing baths in thirty minutes; wear a swimsuit.
Sasuke stared at her in question, but she had already run ahead and disappeared around a corner.
Line
When Sasuke entered the healing baths, it had been transformed. Candles of various sizes had been lit surrounding the primary pool. The overhead light had been blacked out with navy blue silk draped across the walls and covered all the spaces to sit in. Hinata was clad in a form-fitting lilac maillot in the pool's center that clung to her curves. She was lighting the last candle with the tip of her finger.
Sasuke stepped in quietly, walking to the pool's edge, and she turned to smile at him.
"What are we doing."
Meditation.
He looked around the room, "and all of this?"
defense against distraction.
Sitting in the water will dampen your natural senses for fire. You will focus on the flames, and they will flicker to match your breathing.
Sasuke nodded, slowly understanding how this could be meditation practice. As the next question began to touch his lips, Hinata nodded and continued.
Once you can feel the energy of the flames on your side of the room, you will expand your senses to the candles on my end. The candle on my side will be attuned to my breathing, and when I feel your energy touch my flames, I will expand my energy and respond.
Sasuke hummed in confirmation and stepped down into the shallow ends of the water.
Hinata backed away, sat on the opposite end, and began a guided meditation.
Close your eyes and breathe. Release the tension you feel in your body. Start at the toes and unclench. Flex at the ankle and let your feet relax. Release the pressure in your calves. Up to your thighs and exhale. Feel the remaining tension at the base of your tailbone. Imagine it climbing up your back, pulling from your center, and climbing upwards. Pull the pressure from your lungs; this weight will feel lodged in your throat. Split it and let it travel down your arms; open your palms and let it out.
Candles on his side of the room flickered, and a few winked out. Sasuke breathed harshly out of his nose. The water sloshed, and Sasuke snapped his eyes open.
You trusted me this morning; trust what you know. I'm not here to harm you. Sasuke stared at her for a moment longer before closing his eyes and attempting to relax as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
Activating her byakugan, she continued to talk him through, releasing tension from his body; all the while, she watched how his energy flowed.
She suspected a blockage, and it was there to the left of his third rib. She slowly ran her hand up and down his back. Goosebumps raised across his skin, and he suppressed a shiver biting down on his lip until it bled. Hinata. Pressed down on his shoulders and whispered.
"Breath, Sasuke; breathe and relax."
She waited for him to relax into her touch, and when he did, she pressed her finger into the blockage and slowly poured her chakra into the knot, loosening it from the inside until it released, and Sasuke let out a deep groan.
Sasuke opened his eyes and turned to look at Hinata. Her head was bowed, and he couldn't see past her hair.
His voice was deep and rough when he said her name.
"Hinata."
Her head shot up as she looked him in the eyes.
A heavy blush coated her face, which he ignored as he asked.
"What did you do?"
She shrugged and moved carefully around him; "you had a blockage. I just released it."
Sasuke continued to stare.
Hinata blushed again.
I-It looked painful, and it was hindering our work anyhow. She cleared her throat. You should be able to match the flames now.
He nodded and settled back in place.
The two fell silent, and the room took on a golden glow as the two synchronized with their flames. Hinata's flames were steady while Sasuke's flames erupted, burning the candles down at an incredible rate.
Hinata's lip twitched in amusement as she urged him to spread out his awareness.
Complying, Sasuke opened his senses to the rest of the room and became acutely aware of everything in the space. The steadiness of Hinata's flame, the booming tempo of her heart. The rise and fall of her shoulders as she breathed and the way the warm water lapped at his skin. Goosebumps rose along the length of his arms as he felt her energy seep into his. He felt his heartbeat slow to match hers, and his blood simmered as he became acutely aware of the distance between them.
She sighed as their very essence seemed to intertwine. And he marveled at the feeling of tranquility that washed over him. Intrigued by the nature of this bond, he visualized it as chakra and attempted to move it. Shifting it around the room. Hinata let out a tiny grunt, a sound of displeasure before chasing his aura down. Sasuke smiled at the light feeling and continued the game of chase, pausing only when he felt heat glide past his cheek.
Hinata's aura slammed into his, and he let out another groan as pleasure shot up his spine. She gasped, and together their eyes ripped open to see a glowing ball of fire that was the only source of light as all the candles had gone out.
Sasuke stared at it for a moment before directing it between them.
"Has this ever happened before?"
Hinata rose from her seated position and walked up to the glowing orb. "Never," she said breathlessly. Sasuke approached her, leaving the sphere as the only thing separating the two.
Slowly she reached up and rested her palm against the blue flame shivering as it wrapped around her hand and began to travel along the length of her body.
Sasuke watched for little more than a second before following her lead.
The purple flame danced along the length of his body and slid along his arms. Sasuke looked up, taking in the delight that shined across Hinata's face.
She looked up, and they locked eyes, and Sasuke was star struck. He had admitted to himself on one occasion that she was attractive. But standing there with water dripping off her skin and excitement in her eyes, he felt the need to hold her close and kiss her senseless, and so he stepped forward, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her close.
Hinata sighed and laid her head against his chest. Sasuke inhaled. She smelt like some kind of flower, something familiar he could not name, and he breathed in again before burying his face in her hair.
"Do you feel this all the time?"
Hinata shook her head.
"It's never this intense.- I can feel your heartbeat, and sometimes I can feel your emotions."
Sasuke hummed and pulled her closer. Stretching to hold him in kind Hinata raised her arms and wrapped them around his neck, playing with the hairs at his nape. Looking down, Sasuke took in her face. Full, lush lashes, moonstone eyes, and cherry kissed lips. With her breasts pressed against his chest and his hand on her waist, Sasuke swallowed a groan as he dipped his head to capture her lips and whispered, "beautiful." Hinata tilted her head to meet his lips in a barely-there kiss that made his hands tighten against her waist. A bolt of desire pooled in his stomach, and he pulled her closer still. Pressed tightly against him, Hinata gasped as she felt the length of his erection hardened against her stomach. She gasped as he dipped his head to steal another kiss, planted a hand firmly on his chest, and pushed, putting the slightest bit of space between them. Sasuke clasped one hand on the one splayed out on his chest and breathed through his nose slowly. Her touch on his bare skin was like a nearly unbearable heat he did not want to escape.
"Hinata." His voice was deep and gravely
She was panting. "I- We" Sasuke stared at her again and nodded. Reluctantly pulling away and allowing some space between them. Slowly the two began to pull back their aura though both were now acutely aware of each other's presence. Sasuke backed away, stepping out of the shallow pool, and turned his back to her. Reaching out, he grasped a robe and reached for the door. He grunted out and slipped out of the room.
Hinata let out a shaky breath and sank back down into the water.
line
The bustle of the palace had become even more pronounced that evening. The banquet was a private affair, and nobility from far and wide came to the capital to meet the newly assembled grand court. Hinata was currently standing by the entrance to the banquet room, pouting heavily as she had been unceremoniously swept away to be stuffed into yet another dress and pruned to perfection. She was admittedly sore.
At the approach of footsteps to her left, she shifted her silver gaze to Sasuke's approaching form. They would be the last to enter. His hair had been combed back, much like his late brothers, and it was gathered at the nape of his neck with a leather strap. She frowned as she took in his form.
What is it? She reached up a hand, hesitating.
I may not know you well enough to comment, but... She paused, taking in his complete form before nodding resolutely to herself before continuing.
This is not who you are, and perhaps; it would do you some good to meet your subjects as you are and not as you believe they would have you.
She pulled the leather strap from his hair and ruffled it until the bangs fell into his face again.
Sasuke remained silent before snorting; you may want to take your own advice; you don't look the least bit comfortable in that dress.
She paused, blushing deeply before looking down. I have grown more accustomed to my training and combat gear. Which is admittedly not appropriate for an occasion such as this.
She turned to face the door, tensing as a hand fell on her waist. She looked up to meet Sasuke's eyes. You are seemingly full of surprises, and you look stunning tonight.
Hinata blushed deeply.
The doors opened before she could respond, and together they walked into the room.
The room, though large, seemed small as they descended the staircase. The nobles crowded as close as possible while the rest of the grand court stood firmly in a line before them. As the duo graced the last step, they parted, allowing them to pass through as they fell in line quietly, following them to their table overlooking the crowd.
The nobles shifted, returning to their designated tables, waiting quietly and patiently for the festivities to truly begin.
Sasuke surveyed the crowd, narrowing his eyes as he scoured their faces looking for a guilty face.
During his perusal, Hinata took in the change in atmosphere, recognizing the blatant hostility rolling off of Sasuke's shoulders, and she breathed slowly. Before clearing her throat softly. Shocking him from his moment of brooding before she began,
"Thank you all for coming; it is with great honor that I stand before you tonight, on the eve of what will be perhaps the most shared wedding day in history. She smiled. But most importantly, the eve of our nation's great healing. The grand court will stand at its full might, peace will be restored to our lands, and the shadows, those that are not our own, will be cast out.
Sasuke shifted casually, directing the attention to himself. War is on the horizon, and we ask that this night be filled with joy and merriment with that knowledge. A single flame is easy to put out, but a raging fire cannot be easily stopped.
Let us kindle the flames of great friendship; let us strengthen these bonds. So that our flame will burn as brightly and as eternally as the sun.
Let the festivities begin.
The musicians began to play with a curt nod, and the grand court took their places at the table.
As the servants swept forward, setting down dishes on each table, Sasuke sat still, breathing slowly, as a slow bout of rage swelled. Sensing the danger, Hinata pushed her own aura to the top, invading his space with the abundance of self. He stiffened, cracking the glass that made its way into his hand before relenting and placing it on the table.
With the crisis momentarily averted, they turned their attention to the food. As dining came to a close, the Nobel men began to make their way to the high table. It would be a very long night.
Sasuke stifled the urge to sigh.
What had begun as a celebration was beginning to drag on as the Nobel men droned in about what their districts needed and whom they needed it from. For the most part, it was senseless wine-filled prattling that flowed through one ear and out the other until the last elder of the rain approached the table.
Hinata tensed. Immediately gripping Sasuke's hand under the table.
Stifling the urge to flinch, he turned to look at her. She was breathing heavily with tears in her eyes as she watched the approaching man. Sasuke grit his teeth as her panic blossomed in his veins like ice. He tried pouring his aura over her, but there was no visible change. To his left, Sakura stood up and stepped just behind him and whispered she is having a panic attack. Get her out of this situation fast.
As the elder made his way down the table, Sasuke turned to her. He began tugging on her fingers beneath the table to grab her attention.
" I need you to feign a headache. Just shut your eyes and only look at him at the end. Can you do that? "
She nodded.
Good. Take a small breath. This will be over soon.
Seeing that she was still visibly shaking, Sasuke tried again, " Hinata."
She stuttered on his name and fell silent, shutting her eyes and rubbing her temples.
The man in question sauntered, his cane making a soft pat that the girl focused on in totality.
Sasuke pushed down his urge to lash out and gripped her hand beneath the table before covering her entirely in his aura for a second time.
She shifted towards him but continued to rub her temple.
His wrinkled face was stern but not without the slopes that indicated smiles occasionally rested along his lips.
He smiled, bowing deeply before he began, "my king, My lady. It is with great honor that I find myself to be of sound enough mind to witness such an anointed union. The people of heavenly hills are proud to have produced such a remarkable candidate as a powerful ally. Our people believe that the eyes are a shortcut to the soul. Might I see the eyes of our queen tonight? "
The night's festivities have exhausted her; she battles a headache, perhaps another time.
Hinata squeezed his hand beneath the table and forced herself to relax, and opened her eyes.
"Ahh, and yet she opens her eyes for me!"
well, she said softly, with eyes as pale as your own; one might think you were from the Heavenly Hills.
He laughed well; the eyes are from the heavenly hills at the very least. Hinata flinched,
Is that so?
"Ahh, but of course, high priestess, you would know this. Surely the lost heir to the heavenly hills has not forgotten her people".
Sasuke rose from his seat as he answered, "we remember Ototsuki, and we are not a people who forget. Lifting his hand to Hinata, he asked.
Dance before the evening is done?"
Slipping her hand into his as she rose, "of course, my king."
Ototsuki understood that he had been dismissed and bowed his head to disguise his anger.
Hinata followed closely behind Sasuke, who gracefully swung her onto the floor for a final dance.
Their movements were precise, albeit lacking the enthusiasm of someone who enjoyed the action of dancing. The two were deep in thought, unaware at first of the circle of intrigue that had begun to build around them.
Hinata was, of course, the first to notice the eyes on her. Flushing red deeply, she turned her head as if to hide it in his chest. Sasuke looked down, seeing her discomfort. He glanced about before bowing his head to whisper, it's too late to hide now. Let's give them a show.
Hinata looked up, lifting an eyebrow as she recognized a bit of mirth in his charcoal eyes and grinned before giving a short nod.
He twirled her then, changing the tempo of the dance, forcing the musicians to keep up.
It was intense; quick dips and sporadic lifts all landed gracefully as the feet picked up the pace. The tenor of the music picked up, building to a magnificent end. Sasuke flashed her a smile before spinning her around and dipping her low,
They stay like that for a minute. They were breathing heavily with smiles on their face before he lifted her slowly and bowed to her.
The nobles cheered before surging onto the dance floor. The two quietly slipped away to the balcony, momentarily leaving the party behind them.
They were quiet for a moment before Hinata started.
"Do you like to dance?"
Sasuke nodded, a pastime I once enjoyed with my mother.
Hinata nodded, "a pastime I once enjoyed with my father." They were quiet for a moment longer. As the high from the dance died down, he frowned and turned to Hinata and asked, "so what was that with Ototsuki Toneri?"
Hinata froze. I- she frowned;
" I don't know."
Hinata, I lied for you.
"I know I just, I can't remember. There's a lot about my childhood I can't recall. I know he scares me. I know those are not his eyes, But I don't know why I'm afraid of him or who's eyes they belong to."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Do you mean he's stolen the eyes of someone from your clan?
"I believe so."
With what proof
"I don't have any; the eyes are just familiar.'
Hinata bowed her head. I'm sorry ."
don't apologize. Be clear.
He glanced at her in the low light. she was practically radiating discomfort, and he frowned.
How much of your childhood is missing from your memories?
She paused before answering,
"I remember bits and pieces of my life from maybe four or five to about eight. I was isolated when I was selected to be the priestess for my people. High borns are supposed to carry our names but
to be a priestess, you give up your clan. It isn't like that for most, but to pledge to the high mother is to claim her as your family. I could not be Hyuuga and her child."
Sasuke nodded. Why can't you remember anything?
She turned away from him then, staring out into the darkened woods to the south of the property.
"The Heavenly Hills are known for their strength. To get there, we train our children young. I was born a girl, and while we have had many women as warriors, we have not had them as leaders. My father wanted to contest it and suggested I could be strong enough to hold place. My training started younger than most."
Sasuke lifted a brow. How young?
Hinata lifted her shoulders in a ripple of movement that resembled a shrug. Neji' said I started learning Katas as soon as I could walk.
Sasuke looked up at the moon. He was no father, but even he was aware that that was far too soon. Hinata turned to look at him and smiled softly. "I couldn't keep up, and sometimes training was just a beating. She shifted. I'm better now, though."
Sasuke stared at the way her lips parted on each breath, the rise and fall of her chest, and the slight trembling in her hands. She was tough as delicate as she appeared. Sasuke nodded, aware that he had come to admire her.
"I will add it to the list for investigation, but I need you to pull it together." He turned towards the door. Fixing his Blazer before muttering something about appeasing the questions of decrepit old nobles.
Hinata smiled.
" I'm fine now. Just keep Toneri away from me." He nodded before offering her his arm and returning to the party together.
Hours later, with bellies full and the Nobel men's questions answered, the grand court prepared for a night's rest.
The sunrise ushered in a new era.