HEY! I'm sorry I haven't been updating. Had a busy week and no time to type. I should warn you that this chapter is not long but I'll do my best to update as much as I can.

Enjoy

Onsen

At breakfast, the Hyuugas talked about their years a part. More Hinata listening about her father and Neji's lives in Suna as she was slightly embarrassed to talk about her own. The others readily understood, but Hiashi was smart to avoid anything to do with Jiraiya and the Uchihas. Following that, the three Hyuugas headed for the temple where the memorial service was to be held.

Dressed in white kimonos, they greeted the priest on arrival to the temple, who was surprised to see another addition to the Hyuugas.

"I'm sure you remember my daughter Hinata" Hiashi said proudly. The old priest nodded and took Hinata's hands in his own.

"It is an honour to finally see you again, Lady Hinata. And you look as lovely as your mother," the priest said. Hinata blushed and thanked the priest. She took notice of his white and blue robes, neat and dirt free. His nearly gray hair was tied in a top knot, compared to her own which was moving with the breeze.

They all went inside and proceeded with the ceremony. When it was over, they shared a brief meal with the priest and the priest wished to talk with everyone individually. Hiashi went with the priest first, leaving Hinata and Neji to wait in the temple garden gave off a peaceful atmosphere with its lush green grass and various flowers and trees all around.

"This garden is beautiful," Hinata commented, moving down to smell lavender flowers.

"You're still the same," Neji said.

"What?"

"Every time you went to a garden, lavender flowers are the first to catch your attention. Are they still your favourite?"

"Yes, yes they are. I guess I didn't realise it was the same case as before"

"But from what I can tell, you're not the same shy little girl you were before. You've changed"

"I wouldn't know. But I'm eager to get my memories back. I want to be able to remember the memories I shared with you and father"

"I can tell. But don't be in such a hurry to. Personally, I feel we should bury the past and move on. I think it would be good for you if you don't remember, that way you don't have to experience the loss of our family. You are lucky, in a way, to have had amnesia. Unlike us"

"Neji," Hinata said in an apologetic tone, hugging Neji, "I didn't realise…"

"It's alright," Neji replied, hugging Hinata back, "what matters is that you're here with us"

Hinata smiled in response and the two continued strolling and talking until Hiashiand the priest returned.

"Hinata, it's your turn," the priest announced.

"I thought Neji would be next since he's older than me," Hinata replied.

"It's alright Hinata," Neji cut in, "you go. I don't mind waiting"

Hinata nodded and followed the priest inside the building. He lead her through a maze of dimly lit hallways; just as Hinata was about to feel slightly wary, they entered a room. Hinata noticed the ceiling of the room had a round opening and below it was a large ceramic lotus fountain with twin Chinese dragons –one jade and one obsidian- encircling the fountain. It was designed in a way that the light from the opening would shine on the fountain and reflect of the water and mosaic lined walls. White marble pillars with carvings and Japanese characters on them, held up the parts of the ceiling around the opening.

Hinata stared around the room in awe, drinking in the sight. If only, she thought, holding onto her heart as she followed the priest to a sitting platform. Once they sat, both gazed at the fountain.

"This sanctuary has been around a long time. The architects built it so that the beauty would remain permanent and the priests would have a peaceful place to meditate," the priest began.

"There is an ethereal beauty to this place. But then where are the priests?" Hinata asked.

"I asked them to excuse us so we could speak hereprivately for today"

"Why?"

"Hinata, what's the first thing that comes to mind when you see the twin dragons?"

Hinata looked at the fountain and replied, "Well, it looks like they're protecting the lotus"

"Good answer. The dragons represent yin and yang, protectors of the balance between good and evil. The lotus is the most interesting part of this sanctuary. The lotus blooms in mud and dirt, and yet it's the rarest of beauties. It represents a person's life, their struggles; but when a person perseveres and works to the best of their ability, they tend to enjoy the beautiful results. Just as we enjoy the beauty of a lotus flower"

"But what happens when no matter how much you try, no matter how long, and you never see the fruits of your labour?" Hinata asked.

"It's a matter of belief. Do you believe that you'll get what you seek?"

"I did once, only for me to be ripped apart from my loved ones," Hinata replied solemnly.

"It is normal for our fears to get the best of us, Lady Hinata. It's what makes us human. But you should also realise that fate is working in your favour. You may have been separated from your current family, but you've been reunited with your old one"

"How did you know?"

"I have my tricks. You're confused as to whether to remain and shield yourself from the hurt that will come with returning to Konoha. Anyways, how I know all this important. What is important is for you to decide the path you take. Will you allow your years of suffering define you and your future or will you use what you have learned to change it? What will you choose, Lady Hinata, heiress of the Hyuuga clan?" the priest questioned. Hinata remained silent and gazed at the statues. The breeze from outside entered the sanctuary, carrying with it leaves and petals from outside. They swirled around the lotus, settling into the water.

"I'll leave you here to meditate while I go speak with Neji. Take your time and decide what you feel is more important"

The priest got up and exited the room. I shouldn't even be taking him seriously? Hinata thought. However, she couldn't tear her eyes away from the statues and the priest's words rang loudly in her ears. What are you going to do? Clan heiress? Lady Hinata? It had only been a day since she reunited with the other surviving members of her clan. And she wasn't used to any other treatment aside from that of a slave.

But you have Hinata. Hinata thought about Ten-ten and the times they shared together. She was treated in a sisterly fashion with her. With Naruto and Sasuke, they gave her the insight that not everyone with a high society profile was cold and cruel. Kiba and Shino included.

Sasuke, Hinata thought. He gave her hope, friendship and love. He sparked that long lost feeling of belief in her. And she knew exactly the choice she was going to make.