A/N
The italics either mean thoughts or a dream/flashback. I apologize if the chapter is a bit confusing I definitely rushed it.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters
Chapter 5
"This is bad; we should go tell Hiashi-sama immediately," Neji paced back and forth.
The group had migrated far away from the whale carcass and any trace of the sea witch. Hinata had requested to go to Temari's house instead of returning back to the Hyuga palace. She just couldn't face her father after what she had done. It wasn't that she was starting to regret her decision, she just knew her father would feel terribly disappointed in her and she couldn't bare it. It really didn't help that Neji held such a close resemblance to her father, the look in his eyes was a close second to what she would see if she went back.
"Y'know for once I think Neji's right. We should probably tell the sea king there's a rampaging, maniacal, sea witch on the loose," Temari lounged about lazily on the couch, her tail flicking back and forth. Hinata glanced at her dirty blonde friend and tried to read her expression. She seemed nonchalant about this whole ideal, and maybe she was Temari was quite hard to read, but Hinata doubted one could be so calm after being kidnapped and used against your best friend.
Hinata bit her lip, "Thing is, I'm not scared of Anko doing much damage to the palace."
"What do you mean?" Hanabi stormed, "Hinata you just released the seal that 'tousan put on her! She's a crazy, revenge-driven bitch; the first thing she's gonna do is go after the palace!" Anger rolled off her in waves as she stirred the water. Hinata eyed her little sister. Hanabi was the most volatile of the group, it was always hard to anticipate her next move. Casting her glance at the three closest people in her life, Hinata sighed I need help with this.
"Nice to know you all think so highly of me," Hinata said dryly as she stared at the scroll resting on the coffee table, "I'm perfectly aware of how dangerous Anko is. That's why I didn't undo the seal completely."
Neji frowned, "Elaborate."
Hinata sighed, "I only temporarily weakened the seal enough for her to help me. By this point it's probably already rebuilt itself. What I'm worried about is what Anko'll do to get rid of it completely, and what she'll do to me for tricking her."
Hanabi and Temari shared a look and grinned, "Alright! Way to swindle the sea witch Hime!" Temari got up and draped an arm over her shoulder, "I didn't know you had it in you."
Hanabi sniffed and wiped away an imaginary tear, "Our little girl is growing up."
Temari chuckled, "Damn right!" She threw a glance Hinata's way, "It's usually either Hanabi or me doing the swindling. I'd say you've learned a lot from us. Who says we're a bad influence?"
Neji scowled, "You two are lucky things turned out this way, otherwise you would have been in loads of trouble," he groaned and put a hand to his forehead, "Well if that's all then I suppose we should just go back to the palace. We'll deal with Anko when she comes around."
"Uhh, about that," Neji turned his head to Hinata, who in turn, bit her lip and poked her fingers together, "I kinda don't want to go back."
"What?" his voice growled dangerously low.
Hinata averted her stare, "Well I already have the scroll, I thought I'd give it a shot."
"You can't be serious! You'll be reduced to bubbles!"
"That's only if I fail! I'm pretty confident that I can…" she trialed off as she watched her older brother-like figure clench his hands tightly.
Neji pinch the bridge of his nose, "Hinata-sama, it's not that I think you will fail. It's just that you've never exactly had much experience in this area."
Hinata flushed red.
"Then I guess that's why we're here!" Temari gestured to herself and Hanabi.
Hanabi nodded and winked, "I'm sure the two of us combined have enough flirty advice to spare!"
Neji shook his head, I'm not even gonna ask.
Hinata turned her large, watery eyes on Neji, "Come on nii-san, please?"
Unable to resist, and terribly outnumbered, Neji succumbed to the women around him, "Fine. You three are going to need the voice of reason on this mission."
Temari pumped her fist in satisfaction, "We've just been assigned mission impossible! I'm a sucker for clichés."
Hanabi smirked and turned to her sister, "First things first sis, we're gonna get you all dolled up in a gorgeous dress. You don't wanna show up to your prince half naked when you transform do you?" Hanabi blinked and added slyly, "Or maybe that would be better?"
Hinata buried her face in her hands, "This is going to be one heck of a mission."
Itachi walked along the shoreline alone. He watched as the sun threw its long orange rays lazily across the field. He sighed and dug his hands into his pocket.
I don't think Sasuke'll get over it any time soon. I must have really upset him this time. Glancing towards the ocean his gaze settled on the horizon. It is really hard to believe but I'm sure I wasn't hallucinating.
He sighed and bent down. Digging his fingers into the wet sand, he stared at a tiny crab floundering about. His fingers closed around a broken seashell, Pull yourself together Itachi. Little brother is right, of all times, you choose now to go fishing after women? He stood up and reared back his arm; don't forget it is always kingdom first. Now is no exception. You've had your little break. It's time to come back to reality, prince. He flung the shell seawards with pent up rage. With his hands still fisted he turned around.
And came face to face with the same pale eyes that haunted his every thought.
He took in her long navy blue hair and light ivory skin. She was adorned in pearls and a wavy, lavender dress made from a soft material that was not like any human cloth. His eyes traveled down her smooth arms to her pale perfect legs. Despite her two human legs, she walked with the grace of nothing he'd ever witnessed before. Watching her move towards him, Itachi felt like he was submerged underwater, what with her elegant, flowing movements and his lungs begging to be refilled with the air his mind forgot to supply him with.
He took in a deep breath and turned his eyes back towards her face. A stunningly adorable blush clung to her cheeks and a small shy smile made itself known as the woman glanced up from beneath her eyelashes.
Regaining control of his vocal skills, he approached the sea beauty, "It's you."
A stunning calm settled over him as she nodded. I've finally found her. "What's your name?"
The smile vanished from her face as she looked down. She raised her left hand to her throat and opened her mouth. She then shook her head and gazed up at him.
Understanding dawned on him, "You've lost your voice."
She nodded sadly and gave him a bittersweet smile. She looked back at the ocean, and then directed her gaze in towards land. Itachi gave her a careful look, "Did you do this for me?" another nod and shy smile.
Itachi put an arm around her in a protective embrace, "Alright, let's get you inside."
Three tailed figures lurked not too far away from the people on the beach; two of which high-fived while the third muttered under his breath about wanting to murder a certain crowned prince for touching his dear little cousin.
"Are you sure this looks okay?" Hinata floated out from inside the large step-in closet. The mermaid was garbed in a long, pale lavender dress with a wave-like pattern riding along the hem.
Neji was downstairs planning, being the calculating merman he was, while the two devious minds where upstairs playing dress up with Hinata.
"Relax Hime, you look fine! I'm sure you'll leave ol' princey speechless," Temari winked.
Hinata glanced in the mirror. She turned from side to side and looking at herself from various angles, "I feel like I'm missing something."
Hanabi snapped her fingers, "I've got it!" disappearing in a flurry of bubbles she came back with a small box in her hand, "Ta-daa! Aren't these babies beautiful? And they match your style onee-chan; not too flashy but at the same time just shrieking 'royalty!'" Hanabi circled her sister, draping the pearls across her neck and embedding some into her hair.
She moved back and observed Hinata with a critical eye. Finding nothing astray she clapped her hands and turned to Temari, "She's done! We've created a masterpiece Temmy!"
The dirty blonde grinned, "Time to run it through the big guy. Let's see what Neji thinks."
The three made their way downstairs. Hinata waited in the hallway as the two schemers announced their work, "And after hours of hard work,"
"It's only been thirty minutes," Neji cut in, not impressed with the grandeur.
Tactfully ignoring the comment, Temari continued, "We present to you, the one, the only, Princess of the seas, Hyuga Hinata!"
Hinata let herself flow into the room with the grace possessed by those of natural born royalty. She glanced at Neji shyly, "How do I look?"
Neji smiled and gently placed a kiss on her hand, "Like the princess you were raised to be."
Hinata blushed, "Do I really? It's just a dress."
Temari snorted, "'Just a dress' she says. Yeah, it's just a very fine and expensive dress," she sighed, "Pssh damn Hyugas; they take everything for granted."
Hanabi took her sister's hand, "Well what are we waiting for? Let's get you to the prince's place shall we?" she grabbed the scroll with her free hand and off they went.
Once the group reached the surface they ducked off into the safety of the tide pools.
"Temari, you and I will keep an eye out for the Uchiha. Hanabi, you stay with Hinata-sama and make sure nothing goes wrong. We won't be too far away if anything happens, okay?" Once Neji was satisfied they all knew their jobs he and Temari set out on scouting duty.
"Alrighty sis, you ready for this?"
Hinata took a deep breath and nodded. Hanabi handed her a broken seashell, "Careful."
Hinata fingered the shell gently before swiping the sharp edge against the tip of her finger. She waited for the blood to collect before dropping it onto the seal. The scroll flew open and the characters inscribed in the scroll traveled from the scroll and up Hinata's arm. They snaked around wrist and covered the rest of her body in seconds. They started to glow a dark, luminous purple.
Hanabi watched in horrid fascination as the symbols migrated from Hinata's head and torso down to her beautiful tail. The signs started to spin around her tail; an eerie mist engulfing her fins. Her sister began to glow so bright she had to raise an arm to her eyes.
Hinata didn't notice a single part of the transformation. The only thing she could think about was the pain, oh the pain! It started at her finger tips and ransacked its way throughout her body. After what felt like eons, the pain lifted from her head only to be directed southwards. She felt all sorts of things in her tail from merely pins and needles to a searing, fiery sensation. Her eyes clenched shut and she felt her throat tighten.
Finally the pain subsided and she was able to recollect her thoughts.
The first thing she noticed was her sister watching her with a gaping expression. Following Hanabi's gaze, she turned her head and caught sight of her two, new, human legs.
Leaning back on her hands, she gently lifted one leg and rested it atop the other, inspecting the foot attached to the end of it.
"It worked," Hanabi breathed out. Her face broke into a relieved smile, "It worked sis!"
Hinata sighed and moved her lips, What a relief.
The other Hyuga blinked, "What was that?"
Hinata's brows furrowed slightly, I said, that's a relief.
Hanabi frowned, "Sis, I can't hear you. I see your lips moving but…"
The older sister's eyes widened. I can't hear myself either, she gasped and clutched at her throat, My voice!
Hanabi turned and yelled, "Neji!"
Hinata gasped and sat up from the bed panting, her eyes wide. She laid a hand across her heart to try and steady the thumping. She glanced out the window at the moon shining bravely through the canopy around her bed.
Taking a deep breath, she braced herself for the soreness and swung her feet over the edge of the bed. The moment said appendages touched the floor Hinata winced as the pain shot up her legs. She sucked in a shaky breath and pushed off of the bed. Stumbling her way across the room, generously provided by the very prince she was trying to woo, she finally made her way to the outdoor balcony. To any casual observer however, Hinata had just glided across the room with the grace of a ballerina.
Staring down at the sea below her, she tried to make out any trace of a recognizable face or silhouette in the water. She felt a surge of happiness shoot through her when she noticed the waving form of her little sister. The sea princess rested her head on her hand and waved back.
Taking another deep breath, the Hyuga found her center and focused on dealing with the pain as she made her way back to her bed. Hopefully this time she'd be able to get more than just a few hours of sleep.
"Wow, bro. My bad. It seems she really does exist,"
The Uchihas had all gathered around to meet this mystery girl. Itachi had found Hinata late in the evening, so word had yet to spread across the kingdom. The only ones who knew about her were Itachi's little brother, father, mother, and a handful of faithful servants. Itachi preferred to keep it that way.
Hinata sat on the couch, squished in an Uchiha sandwich. Itachi sat with perfect posture to her right, while Mikoto sat to her left and hovered over her with motherly worry. The Uchihas, being almost as observant as the Hyugas, had noticed something off with this pale eyed beauty. Mikoto had recognized the well concealed pain lightly written all over the Hyuga's face. After all, being the sole woman in a family of stubborn, arrogant, and belligerent testosterone bags, she was able to detect any sign of pain hidden behind the well worn mask of pride.
Her intuition was proved correct when offering the girl a seat earned a minute sigh of relief from the mystery girl. Mikoto watched with a concerned look as the girl reached down to her barefoot feet and gave a quick massaging little squeeze.
Discovering the source of the girl's discomfort Mikoto excused herself and left for the garden.
Hinata, unaware of the Uchiha woman's scrutiny continued to smile at the surrounding people.
"She's beautiful Itachi," Fugaku said with an approving nod, earning a deep blush from the Hyuga, "and she's modest."
Sasuke seemed enthusiastic on staring the poor girl down. Said ex-mermaid blushed deeper but managed to keep confidently defiant eye contact with the young prince. Itachi chuckled at Sasuke's surprised expression, "Foolish little brother, not every girl is willing to throw herself at your feet."
Sasuke turned and glared at his older brother, "You know what Itachi? Fu-"
"Language Sasuke!" Mikoto returned with a small container in her hands.
Sasuke cringed, "Sorry 'kaa-san."
Mikoto reclaimed her seat by Hinata's side, "Here you go darling. This balm should ease the pain in your legs," she laughed at Hinata's shocked face, "I'm a mother darling, it's my job to notice things."
Hinata nodded and accepted the medicine gratefully.
"Let me have a good look at you sweetheart," Mikoto placed a delicate hand against Hinata's cheek and gently angled her head towards her, "My, you have a very pretty face. What's your name darling?"
The Uchihas watched as she moved her lips and no sound came out. The girl's eyes widened and she tapped at her throat. Mikoto frowned, "You can't speak? Well that's a shame. You look like you have a lot to say."
"Can you read?" Itachi stared into her pale eyes. Slowly the pale eyed girl nodded. The eldest son turned to the ever-present team of servants, "Go fetch a notepad." A maid with graying hair nodded and hurried off.
"You can read?" Sasuke gave her an incredulous look, "And how's that possible?"
The ex-mermaid shrugged her shoulders helplessly. Mikoto lay an arm on the girls shoulders, "Sasuke! Don't be so rude."
Said prince flinched and muttered a barely coherent apology. Their attention was diverted as the maid returned with a notepad and a rather embellished ballpoint pen.
Hinata's brows furrowed at the sight of the pen, I've never written with something like that before. Should I ask for a brush and ink? I don't want to be rude.
Seeing her confused expression, Itachi took the pen in his hand and wrote down a simple sentence. What's your name? He looked at her and handed her the writing utensil.
Holding the pen similarly to how she had seen Itachi do so, she steadily pressed down on the paper and gave a few test strokes. Pleased with the steady flow of ink she moved her hand to a blank spot on the paper and wrote with a flowing script, My name is Hinata Hyuga.
"My, what a beautiful name!" Mikoto gushed, "Where are you from darling?"
Hinata bit her lip before lowering her pen to the paper, You wouldn't believe me if I told you.
Sasuke read her words and snorted, his mother ignored him and instead fixed a gaze on the ex-mermaid before her, "Try me."
Hinata searched the Uchiha woman's face for any sign to give away her emotions. Deciding to give it a shot, the pale eyed beauty brought the pen to the paper, My family and I are from- the Uchihas eyes' widened as the Hyuga gasped and grasped her wrist.
Itachi had a hand on her shoulder, "What's wrong?"
Hinata stretched her fingers and picked the pen back up, It seems I'm not allowed to tell you too much of my past.
The eldest prince frowned, "What do you mean you're not allowed? Who's stopping you?"
Hinata shook her head and turned gloomy eyes on him, It's complicated.
"It's getting late. I'm sure you'd love to retire after all the excitement this evening, isn't that right darling?"
Hinata turned a grateful look to the Uchiha mother, to which the elder woman smiled gently, "Follow me sweetie. Let's find you some clothes, and I'm sure we can spare a guestroom. You are staying for the night right?" Mikoto smiled and raised her eyebrows, Darling, if you're the woman my son's been looking for I'm not going to let you leave any time soon.
Hinata easily read the look on Mikoto's face and blushed. She then looked back at the crowned prince before turning back to Mikoto with a shy smile, Don't worry Mikoto-san. I'm not planning on leaving any time soon.
Yeaahhh first things first
Let's pretend paper and ink work underwater.
Sorry for the funky flashback/dream style writing. I just didn't know how else to write it.
If you have no idea what the heck is going on feel free to message me or leave a review. I'll try and clarify if need be.
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