Hinata turned around when she heard a new voice, or, what should have been a new voice. No, instead it was a voice that she knew all too well. Her lavender eyes widened in shock at who was at the door 'Naruto wh-why is he here?' She thought with confusion, it was so strange to see him here. He still wore the black robes that she had met him in earlier. Shaking her head, Hinata tried to think on many reasons, but the only one that came to mind was that it was because he worked for Orochimaru
"Naruto, we have another worker. Please take her to meet the others." Orochimaru said as he rubbed his temples as if he had an oncoming headache.
Naruto turned to stare at Hinata; it was as if he was possessed by something. The way he stared at her, his eyes glassy, yet at the same time hard and cold as steel, it was confusing to her. And, why did his skin look a little paler then it should? Though, his voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "What is your name human?" It wasn't much of a question, no, it was a demand. Something that she wasn't used to from other people, maybe Kiba, but not people she just met.
"It's Hana" Hinata whispered softly, feeling like her real name was slipping from her memory. Like just saying her new name, was ripping away the memory of her name, and replacing it with the new one. It was a strange feeling for her. Was the necklace only protecting her from harm? And not from things that could easily alter her memory?
Naruto just nodded at her and turned around. As if he was ready to leave, but before he took a step out the door, Naruto said with an emotionless voice "follow me" With that, Hinata started to follow him. Wondering why he was acting this way. Was this one of the things that she had been told? That Naruto only cared about himself and not others? Or, was it an act? She didn't know what to believe at the moment
Once they were in the elevator, Hinata stared at Naruto from the corner of her eye. Wondering what he was thinking. Wondering why he was acting as if he didn't know her was it so he wouldn't show that he had helped her out in the beginning? "Naruto"
"Don't talk to me. And, it's Master Naruto to you Hana." Naruto growled out, his blue eyes flashing red for a moment which made Hinata flinch. She's never heard such hostility from him. Or anyone before, and it frightened her greatly It was so strange to see this side of him. Making her wonder why Naruto was acting like this unless he has a split personality that was the only thing she could think of for the time being Sometimes, Hinata thinks that when she just starting to figure someone out, that it turns into something else that she would never truly understand him at all
Running a hand through her hair, Hinata wondered what they should talk about. But then again, he did tell her not to say anything but she needed to do something before she's driven crazy!
"What happened to your face?" Naruto asked without staring at her. Which, had confused Hinata for she didn't know what he was talking about right about now, finally, he turned to stare at her and cupped her cheek. Making her wince from the bruise that resided there, which only made Hinata wonder if he knew about the bruises that adorn her face, Naruto made her face him as he stared at her face.
"You have bruises on your face" He sniffed and tilted his head to the side. Narrowing his gaze, Naruto said "how did you get them Hana." Naruto demanded, which made Hinata wince more. The sound of his voice was angry, not at her but at the idea of her being hurt? Taking a deep breath she tried to say that he didn't have a right to know about the bruises. But, no matter what she did, the words didn't want to come out. It was as if the words were being blocked by a limp in her throat.
"Tell me Hana." He growled out, narrowing his eyes into slits. But she could still see the power behind his gaze, an ancient power something that she could never understand. She knew that Naruto had to be very old, but also very powerful.
She only shook her head; there was no way that she could tell them. Kiba's words echoed in her mind. "Tell anyone and I'll make sure your life is a living nightmare Hinata!" Frightened, Hinata pushed Naruto away from her. Not wanting anything to do with him. Fearing that he would also turn against her and hurt her, the idea of getting hit made her shudder. Years of being beaten had taken its hold on her, she was always afraid of men that were angry at her.
"Leave me alone!" She shouted, pushing Naruto away even more. Thinking that he was going to strike her, but instead Naruto just gently held her by her shoulders. Taking a shaky breath, Hinata stared at Naruto. His eyes no longer glowing crimson, no they were blue once more. Did he calm down enough? Slowly, Naruto let go of her shoulders and just stood next to her, no longer looking at her.
Much to her own relief, Hinata rubbed her arms as if to help calm down her fried nerves. She hadn't felt this frightened in a while
Looking up at him, Hinata couldn't help but stare at the whisker marks that adorn his face. They were so beautiful on him Not really sure why, but the marks on his face reminded her of the whiskers of a fox. Not really sure why that was though but, it suited him greatly. It made him look so handsome 'No! Bad Hinata! Bad! You mustn't think of him like this! You you're still with Kiba and cause of that, you can't be with anyone else'
Rubbing her forehead, Hinata tried to think of something, anything else that would keep her mind off of Naruto. It was so strange to be this close to someone else without Kiba acting like a jealous boyfriend. Though, not that she was complaining
"Come on." Said Naruto as he started to walk out of the now open elevator, Hinata followed not that far behind him. Wondering where they had to go. It couldn't be that bad could it? Though, she was far from wrong, it could get much worse. They were walking down the wooden steps, right into the heart of the working employees. Not what she had wanted right now
Everyone was staring at her, their eyes filled with hatred. Something that Hinata was used to seeing from Kiba. Taking a deep breath, Hinata was listening to what Naruto was saying to the other spirits were talking about. And man, did she not like this at all
"What do you mean she's going to work here? She's a human Master Naruto." Said one spirit, which made Hinata wonder what he was, for he almost looked like a toad, much like everyone else here.
"She's already signed a contract, it's been filled out and everything so no one should, or will complain do I make myself clear?" Said Naruto with a growl, his eyes flashing crimson which had shut everyone up, those red eyes of his should bother her well, they kind of did. Yet, at the same time they didn't if that made any kind of sense at all. Though, when she looked at everyone, they backed away. As if they were frightened by Naruto, did that make any kind of sense at all?
"But Master Naruto"
"Where is Sakura?" Growled out Naruto, looking around for the pink haired spirit that Hinata knew well, but so very little at the same time, it was so weird to hear Naruto give out commands like this, like he was born to give orders. Or, was it because of his powers? Was it something that even she couldn't understand at all?
"What do you want Naruto?" Asked Sakura as she walked forward, her green eyes narrowed in a glare. Showing that she was anything but pleased with Naruto at all, maybe Naruto and Sakura had some sort of problem in the past that she couldn't understand
"You wanted an assistant correct? Well here you go. You will take Hana and train her understood?" Said the blonde haired man as he stared at Sakura with an air of authority, Hinata kind of missed the kind Naruto this one frightened her a bit, though not by much. Sakura just nodded and sighed. "Once she has her new clothes, throw them away understood?" Again, Sakura nodded and walked away with Hinata.
"You did it. I was so worried that you wouldn't get up there alright" Sakura said with a smile.
"Y-Yeah" Hinata whispered, suddenly feeling very sleepy. Not really sure that is, but had a feeling that it was cause she was so very frightened right now. The blue haired woman kept following Sakura, not really sure what they could or should do at this point. But, she knew that she had to get the clothes that are needed to work here whatever it is anyway
"You okay?" Asked Sakura, frowning at Hinata with concern, it was strange to see the blue haired woman looking so sickly. Her skin was paler, and there were dark circles under her eyes and "Hey, where'd you get those bruises?"
"I ran into a few things" Hinata lied, she hated lying but she had gotten so used to it that it became second nature to her. Though, when she looked up at Sakura, she saw that her lie wasn't believed. Could spirits smell or detect when people lie? Or was it just some sort of instinct? She wasn't sure, but for now she just didn't want to talk about it
Once they were up the stairs, Hinata saw a beautifully adorn room. It was draped with beautiful wall paper that was decorated with cherry trees and flying flower petals. Something that she would never have thought of a pattern like this to be real maybe she could suggest it to some sort of designers. Though, looking down at the paper, near the bottom it looked like swirls of water though she wasn't really sure if it was water
"It's beautiful" Calmly said Hinata with wide eyes, the room truly was beautiful even more than that.
Sakura smiled saying "well, this is our room. Lots of people get their own room so they can have their own privacy."
"You got your own room because you're a little insecure about your chest"
"Yes"
Hinata laughed softly, she never understood why girls cared about their bust size. But at least it was nice to have another girl to talk too Though, Hinata had to admit talking to Sakura reminded her of Ino They were both tough, yet also kind in their own way. And, from what Hinata could tell don't mess with their men or you'd get a beating. She couldn't help but laugh softly at the memory.
"Well, let's look for your new uniform alright?" Sakura said with a smile as she started to look through some closets. Hoping to find something that would fit her, though as she searched Sakura tossed Hinata some pink pants, a blue apron, and a white ribbon. Though, Sakura looked like she was having some trouble on finding a shirt.
"Do you need some help?" Asked Hinata as she stared at the searching pink haired spirit, though the blue haired woman didn't know why the pink haired spirit was having so much trouble finding a shirt. Sakura just shook her head, though Hinata did want to help but had a feeling that it wouldn't have mattered. For, it might seem like she was going to step on her pride more than anything. Though as she waited for the shirt, Hinata felt dizzy her body felt like led, something that she hadn't felt before least, not since she was sick with a really bad cold.
"Found it! It should fit you perfectly! Not too tight around the chest but also small enough to fit your figure- dear god!" Sakura said, only to gasp in shock when she saw Hinata on the floor. "Someone help!" Shouted Sakura with fear and worry, gently slapping the pale girl's face hoping to rouse her, but it was doing little, to nothing.
Hinata was in her own world right now. Blinking slowly the young woman was confused on why she was here but this place she remembered it. It was the shrine from when she was a child. It but why did it look so brand new? Frowning in confusion, the young woman walked to the shrine and knelt in front of it. She wasn't sure why but the shrine may have been brand new, but she couldn't see the face of the shrine at all
"Why am I seeing this shrine?" She asked herself, though she knew that there wasn't a point in asking any question for she wasn't going to get answered in the first place
"This is beautiful my dear, but you didn't have to build a shrine in my honor." Said a male's voice, which made Hinata turn around in confusion, for some reason the voice sounded familiar to her. Turning around Hinata stared at a man walking toward the shrine with a woman with knee length bluish hair. Though, like the man she couldn't see the woman's face either. But the clothes she wore, it was a long flowing kimono. The sleeves went past her wrists and almost touched the ground. And, the hem of the kimono dragged on the ground behind her.
Frowning, Hinata wondered why they didn't see her; it was so strange to see that they couldn't see her. Unless, they were just ignoring her right about now though, not that she was complaining, it was probably for the best.
"I wanted to my love you've done nothing for this country but trying to protect it. You've tried to warn this country of a great war, you've tried to protect people from being kidnapped in the woods. And in return people thought you were going to bring destruction to our people. But you saved everyone this will be our tribute to you my love." Said the woman with a soft smile least, with what Hinata could make out to be a soft smile.
Hinata was still so confused, it was as if she had returned to the past or something but, was this real reason to the shrines creation? Was the shrine only created not just cause of the spirits desire to protect them? But, as a tribute to him, built by a royal woman that was in love with this spirit
"I should go my dear I… I can't stay here anymore" Whispered the man with a voice that was almost sad? Upset? She wasn't sure but what she could tell was that he didn't want to leave.
"But, why? What about us? Why do you have to leave, you've done so much good here!" Whimpered the woman, it was easy to tell that she was so deeply in love with him but it didn't look like he was going to be able to stay here anymore.
"Because, I have done what I needed to do. I had prevented the war, so I don't have" He whispered, trying hard not to choke up on his own words. "I don't have a reason that allows me to stay anymore I had only come to stop that war I… I hadn't expected to… to be in love."
Hinata could feel their pain. Not sure why she was even able to feel their pain. It was as if a flood of emotions had started to burst from within her. She almost wanted to cry at the emotional display that was before her. "Then don't leave please"
"I have too my powers for this moment only allowed me to stay to prevent the war"
"Is there anything else you could do? To stay here with…. with me."
"I want to but the only thing I can do is if" The man started, but paused for a moment as if to think of something that he could do to stay here in this realm. Only to frown, the only way is if I became your family's protector I'll protect your descendants for all time. So long as this shrine remains I shall protect your family but for now I have to leave I'm sorry."
The woman sobbed in her hands when the man faded from before her. Hinata felt like her own heart was breaking at the sight of two lovers being torn apart. Though, it had confused her that she would feel the pain that someone else was feeling
"Why, why must I lose the only man I've ever loved" Sobbed the mysterious woman, Hinata just frowned at the woman, and where the man once stood. It made her wonder why his voice had sounded so familiar to her.
"I'm sorry my love I shall love for, for all eternity I will find you, in any of your lives no matter what it takes" Whispered the man's voice as it was carried away in the wind.
Hinata groaned softly, not really sure how long she had been asleep for. Rubbing her eyes, the young woman was trying to think on how she had fallen asleep but it didn't matter to her. But, what had bothered her most was the dream she had. Sighing softly, Hinata was about to sit up till she heard the door open. Gasping softly, Hinata closed her eyes pretending that she was still sleeping.
The sound of footsteps echoed through the silence of the room, Hinata was worried thinking that it was one of the spirits wanting to beat her cause of her being a human being. Though just when she thought the person had left, Hinata felt someone's hand on her cheek, thinking that they were going to slap her but a soft voice was heard
"Meet me at the bridge I'll take you to Kiba if you wish" With that, the owner of the voice got up and left the room. She wasn't sure why anyone would want to meet her, but couldn't help but feel like, like she was compelled to do it. What could it hurt right? Taking a deep breath, Hinata grabbed the clothes that were left out for her, or, she should say the shirt that had been left out for her. For, she was already wearing the pants and the strange blue apron on her chest. It was so strange sighing softly; Hinata knew that her clothes were gone now
Getting up, the young woman grabbed the shirt, pulled it on and tiptoed out of the room and toward the boiler room so she could grab her shoes. As she walked, the lavender eyed woman looked around, a little confused on why everything was so quiet, she had thought someone would be up to help get this place prepared right now. But, guessed that wasn't the case.
Remembering the way down to the boiler room, Hinata had hoped that no one would notice if she disappeared for a while. Maybe she could make something up on why she was gone. Maybe she could just say that she was a morning person and liked to have a bath before working in any shape or form. Yawning, Hinata walked into the boiler room, being careful not to wake Sasuke, who was lying at his desk wrapped up in blankets and lying his head on his pillows.
Hinata smiled a bit and tiptoed as well as she could, though had frowned when she didn't see her purse, which had her shoes in it. "What happened?" As she looked around, Hinata saw a drawer marked 'human items'. Frowning, she pulled the drawer open and inside was her purse. She guessed that Sasuke wanted to keep them safe for her; she'll have to thank him later. Grabbing her shoes, Hinata slipped on her heels and walked on outside, though being careful not to let the clicking to wake up the sleeping black haired man.
As she headed to the bridge, Hinata wondered why she saw that man again. His red hair shining in the morning sun, it confused her on why he kept staring at her like that. So very, very strange, gulping, Hinata walked past him only to turn around for a second. Only to blink when she didn't see that man again, it was as if he had disappeared right into thin air.
'Who is he?' Thought Hinata with confusion written all over her face.
Shaking her head, Hinata looked around, wondering where the guy would be. Who would have asked her to come out here? Sighing softly, she leaned against the bridge waiting and waiting and waiting Though, Hinata soon heard it. The sound of foot falls hitting the wood that the bridge was made from. Turning around the young blue haired woman saw him "Naruto," she said with confusion, why was he here?
He just nodded, his blonde hair bobbing with the movement as he walked toward her. Hinata couldn't get past on how handsome he was Why did he have such a hold on her? Taking a deep breath, she said "did… did you want me to meet you here?"
"Yes I know you may not have liked him but I thought that you would like to see him but, I also need to explain more to you Follow me please" He said, voice filled with a deep sadness that Hinata couldn't understand. Why did it seem like, he had lost everything all the time? Like it was something that had consumed every ounce of joy and happiness from his heart and soul, though Hinata wasn't sure if he had gone through something in the past to make him feel like this, or if this was just how he was all the time
As they walked through the garden, Hinata wondered what this place was really like during the day. Sighing softly, Hinata stared at Naruto, well at least stared at his back since it was the only thing facing her. Though, as they walked, Hinata listened to what Naruto was saying
"Listen carefully; you can't come here alone ever. If you ever come here, without protection then you could be transformed with a magic even more powerful than that necklace. If you want to come here, just ask myself, Sasuke or even Sakura. They're the only people I trust you with for now"
"What do you mean?" Asked Hinata softly, wondering why he trusted them when it seemed like they didn't trust him. It didn't make any kind of sense to her at all
"They were the only people to tolerate me. That is all I'll tell you." Naruto calmly said as he kept on walking. Making the young woman wonder even more about his past though, she said nothing about it thinking that if Naruto wanted to share his past then she would let him tell her when he was ready.
"We're here." Naruto whispered, showing Hinata the huge pig pen that they had ran through yesterday. It was so big and beautiful; it looked more like a palace than a pig pen. Tilting her head to the side, Naruto gently took her hand and pulled in her inside. It still confused Hinata but at least she would see how Kiba looked. Though, once they were inside, she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Pigs left and right, that was for sure from the sounds. But, the thing that she couldn't believe was the single pig that stood in front of her still pink skinned, the appearance of a pig defiantly but the only thing that had really remained the same, remained human were his eyes. Still as wild but instead of being filled with rage and hatred, it was filled with the desire to eat and sleep.
"Will he be alright? They, they won't eat him will they?" Asked Hinata as she turned to stare at the blonde spirit that stood next to her, she couldn't help but be worried about Kiba; sure he treated her like crap over the years but still
Naruto only shook his head, not in a 'no-he-won't' but as a way of saying he wasn't sure. Hinata frowned and stared at Kiba once more before walking out of the pen, Naruto behind her wanting to make sure that she remained safe. Hinata had looked like she wanted to break down in tears, but she fought them back as well as she could. Only a few tears had dripped down her face and onto the grass. Taking a seat under a tree, Hinata buried her face in her knees as if she was hoping to hide the tears that had fallen.
"Hinata"
"My… is that my real name? But isn't it?"
"No, Orochimaru takes people's names to take control over them Just keep your name in mind alright Hinata Don't let him keep your name forever" Naruto whispered as he sat next to her, pulling out something from his robes and handing it to her.
"My… my clothes, but weren't they burned?" Hinata asked as she stared at Naruto with wide shinning lavender eyes.
Smiling a bit, Naruto looked at the sky as he said "I had Sasuke to keep them; I wanted to give them back to you myself. It's best that you keep your things or you'll never return" Hinata couldn't help but stare at him, why did Naruto look so sad? It didn't make any sense to her; it was as if he knew her, her pain
"Naruto, why do you always seem so sad," asked Hinata with great confusion, yet with concern in her voice.
"I came here because I had lost something great to me I came to work for Orochimaru and lost my name Now, I'm trying to get it back."
"Oh you really can't remember your name Naruto," Asked Hinata as she tilted her head to the side, clutching her clothes to her chest as if they would be taking them away from her.
"Yeah, though when I saw you, I knew your name and I don't know why I mean, I feel like I met you and yet I don't remember where or when but I just knew your name." Shaking his head, Naruto reached into his robes and pulled out a wrapped package and handed it to Hinata. "Here, I got you some rice balls. It should help they have a magic spell on them, it's to give you your strength and to make sure the spell that Orochimaru uses to keep people's names at bay you'll never lose your name again if I can help it. Though, if you do forget look at the back of your necklace"
Hinata was confused on that, though she pulled out her necklace and looked at the back of the fox, and right there was her name carved in beautiful writing. Blinking, she stared at Naruto, wondering how he knew that did he carve her name there when she wasn't looking or was it always there? She didn't know… The young woman couldn't be for sure but knew just knew that he was only trying to protect her and it touched her heart
"Thank you Naruto" She whispered before eating the rice balls. They were good reminding her of the ones her mother used to make for her when she was a child. It was like taking a step down memory lane for her to the days when her family's shrine was still there proud and tall with the statue of the spirit that had once resided there
Once she had finished her snack, Hinata and Naruto both got up and started to head on back to the bath house before anyone noticed that she was gone for so long. Once at the gate, Naruto turned to Hinata saying "I'm sorry if I act cold around you Hinata, but I… I can't be soft with you or risk getting you in trouble" She nodded, understanding completely she guessed that it does make sense he was only acting like this to protect her to keep her safe
"I understand Naruto" She said with a smile, running a hand through her hair though for some reason Hinata thought that she saw Naruto blush a soft pink but didn't make a comment on it. Smiling she started to head on back but when she didn't hear Naruto's footsteps she turned around and saw an orange, red fox running down the path, nine tails bouncing with each step he took, his fox ears from what she could see, were almost as long as a rabbits ears. "He's a fox?"
Shaking her head, Hinata had gone back inside.
Sasuke yawned softly and moved his hand around on his desk to find the water bottle, though when he picked it up he felt that it was too light Sighing he sat up and went to the cooling area of his room and searched for another bottle of water. Though, when he turned he couldn't help but blink when he saw Hinata sleeping on the floor clutching some clothes to her chest.
He couldn't help but shake his head with a smile before grabbing a spare blanket and carefully throwing it over her small frame. "Sleep well Hinata" He whispered before going back to his desk, taking a quick drink of his water bottle and going back to sleep before work started.
