3rd P.O.V
"Ten-ten help Hinata to rest under the shade. Naruto stay here with them, I have something to do," Sasuke instructed. Ten-ten nodded and aided Hinata, who was still shaken. But Naruto wasn't satisfied.
"Where do you think you're going? You can't just burst out like that and leave" Naruto demanded.
"Look Naruto, I need some time to clear my head. I'm going to the local town to get us food"
"Sasuke..."
"Naruto," Sasuke cut in, "please"
Naruto watched as Sasuke took one final look at Hinata and then left. He rubbed the back of his neck and joined the girls. He sat down on a beach chair next to Ten-ten and Hinata who were on the beach blanket. Ten-ten had just tended to Hinata's sprained leg and was now running her fingers through Hinata's hair, soothing her to sleep.
"How is she?" Naruto asked.
"Physically, she'll be fine. Emotionally, I don't think so"
"I guess that's understandable, I mean she nearly drowned and all"
Ten-ten shook her head in disagreement.
"It's more than that. Hinata could have handled herself even with the bad leg. But something more happened while she was down there"
"What do you mean?"
"Hinata's an excellent swimmer from since I knew her, but the movements of the water; she was struggling, like she forgot how to swim. She told me might have also had a flashback. Of her life before servitude and all. I don't know much about Hinata's story before she was six, but it's kind of obvious now that whatever happened was around water. I mean she was found on a beach"
"Whoa. I never would have guessed that. But I don't get something, if she's a great swimmer and all, why is the whole 'flashback' happening now?"
"I don't really kn..." Ten-ten froze. She looked around the beach and moved Hinata's head, which had been on her lap, putting it gently on a scrunched up beach towel. Grabbing Naruto's hand, she dragged him away from Hinata.
"Naruto," Ten-ten began, "where and when did you meet Jiraiya?"
"Well, let me see...I think it was ten, maybe eleven years ago. It was around here at the small town nearby. Why?"
"Don't you see?"
"See what?"
"This is the beach where Hinata was found. Jiraiya was probably the one who saved her and brought her home with him. The reason Hinata might have gotten a flashback, it might be that her body was remembering the water and the struggle of that night. Do you see now?"
"I gotta hand it you Ten. That's some crazy detective skill"
"Oh it's just your everyday physiology"
"Is that what you're majoring in?"
"Yup"
They both laughed and sighed.
Sasuke's venture into town
Sasuke walked towards Ten-ten's car, and wasn't the least bit surprised to see Kakashi there waiting there.
"Yo," Kakashi greeted.
"Hn," Sasuke responded, passing Kakashi and opening the vehicle. Sasuke took out a beanie and dark shades.
"Someone's grumpy. You want to fill me in?" Kakashi asked, following the young prince.
"I just need to do some thinking"
"About?"
"Does it matter?"
"I'm hurt Sasuke. I thought we knew each other better than that"
"Tch. Whatever"
The town came into view, with people bustling around. By the looks of things, it was a fishing town with the stalls flowing with fish. There were tourists around who seemed to be enjoying themselves and also conversing with the locals.
"Lovely town isn't it," Kakashi mentioned.
"It's not bad," Sasuke said, "isn't there a clan in charge of this town? It could use some exposure and changes"
"There used to be one. But the clan was wiped out"
"A whole clan!?" Sasuke asked baffled. Kakashi nodded.
"There was an accident about a decade ago while they were on a yacht. It was rather tragic if you ask me. When investigated, they found out it was an Akatsuki attack. Fortunately, they were apprehended. But we lost a lot from that accident"
"Is that the accident where he died?"
"Yeah, that's the one"
Sasuke remained silent, clenching his fists. They entered a restaurant and bought food. As they left, Sasuke's thoughts were pretty much scattered. How did Hinata end up with that necklace? One would think that it was impossible to remember something like that, but Uchihas had exceptional memory. You just needed to see something once and you always have a clear image of that thing.
"Is something still bothering you?" Kakashi asked.
"Nothing," Sasuke said.
"Sasuke, nothing is always something, even with you?"
"Nothing ever makes sense whenever it comes to Hinata"
"As in Lady Sakura's hand-maiden?"
"Yeah, her. Kakashi, I need you to do some digging for me"
Hinata's mindscape or dreamland
Hinata opened her eyes and looked around. She was in a room which was designed with to accommodate a little girl. Before she could explore further, the door opened and she felt her body exiting the room on its own. Hinata walked along a long corridor and found a set of stairs. Climbing up, she found herself on the deck of a luxury yacht.
The deck had been decorated to host a party. There were lights all around, round tables with table clothes decked with scrumptious food. People dressed in expensive kimonos were talking or dancing. What stood out was a banner reading 'Happy Birthday Hinata!'. Hinata was surprised. What is this? She asked herself. Moving around, she discovered that most of the people had the same eyes as her own. My family?
However, a noble looking young teenager caught her attention. Sasuke, she thought. He was dressed in royal kimono with the Uchiha symbol at the back. His hair, however, did not have its usual 'duckbutt' style. She followed the boy and found him talking to a little girl. Unfortunately for Hinata, she couldn't make out what they were saying. The boy gave the little girl a box which she happily opened. She pulled out a necklace and giggled excitedly. Hinata gasped, recognising the jewellery. Her hand flew to the one around her neck and realisation dawned on her. Me.
She felt an explosion and felt herself hurled into the cold waters of the river. No, Hinata's mind screamed, Help!
3rd P.O.V
Hinata's eyes shot open as she gulped a huge breath of air. Her hand grasped onto the necklace on her neck, tears running down her cheeks.
"Hinata. Hinata, everything's okay. You're okay," Ten-ten said, "Breathe"
Hinata slowed her breathing and calmed down. She looked around and saw that Sasuke and Naruto were giving her worried looks.
"I'm fine," she assured them giving them a smile, "I'm sorry if I ruined everyone's day"
"It's fine, Hinata. What matters is that you're okay," Sasuke said
Hinata slowly nodded her head.
"I think apart from my leg, I'll be okay"
"How can you say that when you nearly drowned you crazy girl," Ten-ten whined. Hinata hugged Ten-ten.
"I'm okay, Ten. That I guarantee you. Naruto, is there anything a hot spring nearby?"
"Uh yeah. There's a town nearby. You sure you're okay?" Naruto asked.
"Yes, thank you"
"Let's eat first," Sasuke announced, pointing to the food. They agreed and settled to eat. As they ate, Hinata thought about her dream. I have to know more.