I DO NOT OWN NARUTO!

A/N: Well, here you go guys, chappie 3 yay!

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

The Caged Raven

Chapter 3: The beginning

Those strange happening to Hinata had gone for a week. Many of them involve suicide attempts, for instance, the one in the bath. Other nights when she screamed, she would say it was just a nightmare or she was just imagining things. How many times can a person use the same excuses without giving the impression that they have something wrong going on mentally? Neji was starting to notice the strange behavior of his cousin and decided to call Sakura for help.

Her taunting delusions had been happening once every night for seven days now. The latest incident was the worst. They had found Hinata falling off the Hokage Mountain during the dead of the night. Her explanation had been that a boy covered in blood had pushed her off the cliff. However, when a thorough investigation had been made for the said child, there was no trace of him at all despite Hinata's detailed description of the boy. She had suffered severe concussion but luckily, it wasn't life threatening. A boy with sharingan eyes? The only one left of the Uchiha clan was Uchiha Sasuke. Tsunade had sternly confirmed that the man was sealed safely away with the ANBU guarding the scroll. He was nothing but a caged harmless bird.

Although Hinata had promised herself to keep tight lipped about the incidents, it was starting to take toll on her mentally. Everything felt so real. It was as if the Uchihas were haunting her or to be more precise, tried to murder her. She needed someone to help her. She claimed that the sharingan wielders were after her. When she was asked for evidence, she would have none. She would always say they would disappear after they finished their deed.

Neji quickened his pace early in the morning to the Konoha hospital where he would seek help. After waiting for about an hour in the waiting room, he was called by one of the nurses. Indicating his thanks, he followed the nurse to Sakura's office. The doctor motioned him to sit down on the vacant seat in front of her desk.

"Sakura-san, there's something I need to discuss with you about Hinata's behavior."

Sakura looked up to the man from her clipboard. They were both sitting in her office after Sakura had finished an operation.

"Yes, I've heard about her through whispers…"

"Do you think she's, well… mentally unwell?" Neji was trying to find a nicer way to name the term 'mentally ill'. He was already uncomfortable with the thought of having Hinata being in such a state.

Sakura tapped her pen against her clipboard thoughtfully.

"I can't say for sure. I would need Ino to assist me in this field. She specializes in psychology after all."

"But first, I need you to tell me in detail the first incident that had occurred after she was discharged from the hospital," she continued.

"She was drowning in the bath. I thought it was because of the temperature but she told me it was because she was exhausted. I found out she was Kurenai for the whole day, but she said they never did anything that would make her so exhausted. They only chatted over tea. She returned straight home during sunset."

Sakura gave him a questioning look.

"Sunset? That would be around six… I discharged her at around three. Which means, she was only with Kurenai for no more than three hours? She shouldn't be so exhausted that she would actually pass out in the bath. Are there any other incidents?"

"The latest one, when she fell off the Hokage Mountain. You were treating her for her wounds that night by the way. She said a boy tried to push her."

"Why would she go there in the first place?"

"I don't know. She wouldn't say."

"Any other incidents?"

Neji's expression hardened.

"There were seven incidents in total. Three of which we know already. The other four were catching herself on fire; screaming hysterically when a kunai merely scraped her arm; suffocating herself during her sleep; and the most disturbing one was screaming and yelling at someone to stop while she was clearly stabbing herself in many different areas."

She was also the one who had treated Hinata's multiple stab wounds. When she came in with Neji, he had used a cover story. He told her that they were wounds she received on a mission. Of course, Neji wouldn't want to say something like "My cousin has been having delusions and she's trying to kill herself." No, that would make matters even worse for Hinata. Even Hiashi was telling him to keep his mouth shut about it. Alas, one of the maids had accidentally leaked out the secret. Eventually, the gossips had spread like a wild fire. Everyone had been worried about her, especially her two teammates.

Sakura looked at Neji with worry, then a question running through her mind. What was going on with Hinata?

"What were her reasons?"

"At first she would always tell me she was either sleep walking or having nightmares, which I find it hard to believe. But after the fourth incident, she started to tell me what was really happening."

"And?"

"She said there were always people, dead people, trying to kill her."

Sakura massaged her temples in to ebb away the slight headache. This was going to be a tough nut to crack. What had cause Hinata's pretty little head to be in such turmoil?

"Neji…I'm sorry to tell you this…but I think your cousin is suffering from a mental disorder. She wasn't just having hallucinations or nightmares; she was trying to kill herself."

"I can clearly see that. That's why I came here to seek your help."

Sakura wasn't expecting for what was Neji about to do. Damn his pride, if he had to throw it away for the sake of saving his dear cousin, he wouldn't hesitate to do so. Swallowing back his pride, he stood upright from his chair then bowed deeply with plea.

"Haruno Sakura-san, I beg of you. Please, save Hinata-sama!"

The pinkette stared at the man kneeling before her seat in shock. His plea only made her feel more pressurized.

"N-Neji, what are you doing? Get up!"

Sakura was starting to feel uncomfortable in her seat.

"Sakura-san! I would put my life on the line all to save Hinata-sama. But it seems that there's no way I can help her with my own hands right now. The only person I could turn to for help is you."

He bowed deeper until his forehead touched the cool tile of the floor.

With softened eyes, she slowly got up from her chair and put a warm hand filled with assurance on his hunched shoulders.

"Don't worry Neji, I'll do everything I can. I promise."

The Hyuuga lifted his head with a soft relieved smile tugged on his lips.

Naruto walked in Sakura's office to pick her up for lunch. It was well past twelve, she should be having her lunch break soon. He was walking through the corridor leading to her office, when he saw Neji walking out of Sakura's room. Neji didn't look very well, since his feature looked rather pale, then again, he was always pale. But this time, he looked sickly pale.

'Wonder what's wrong with him?' the blonde eyed him worriedly.

Straightening up his gesture, he put up his usual cheerful smile in hopes to lift up the other man's spirit.

"Hey Neji! Is everything alright? You don't look too well. Did you ask Sakura-chan to check up on you?"

The other man gave him a nod of acknowledgement.

"Good afternoon to you too Naruto."

Naruto returned him with one of his biggest smile, which Neji couldn't help but to smirk back in reply. What can he say? His smile was deadly contagious no matter how stupid it looked.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."

The two of them stood awkwardly in the corridor, unable to think of a way to strike a conversation. They hadn't seen much of each other lately, which made it even more awkard.

Neji decided to take the initiave.

"By the way Naruto, congratulations for being elected to be the next Hokage. When will the succession take place?"

"Oh thanks!" he scratched the back of his head sheepishly. It was something he liked to do when he was shy or embarrassed.

"Umm… Granny Tsunade said that she'll be retiring next year. She said she was getting too old for this stuff. She just wanted to relax and drink her sake in her retirement home or something along that line…"

Neji chuckled.

"Oh, that's right Neji, how's Hinata? Her condition didn't sound very good the last I heard about her."

The rumors were starting to get around the village, and Naruto happened to catch wind of it. With widened eyes, he waved his hands in defense.

"Ah! Sorry about that, I didn't mean to sound so insensible. It's just I'm really worried as her friend."

"I understand, I'm very grateful for your concern. It's good that Hinata-sama has a friend like you."

Naruto retrieved his hands back to his sides. Then, just like what Sakura did before, he put a strong comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, I'm your friend too! Anything you need just tell me alright? I'll be there to help. Everyone in this village is my family."

"Naruto…"

"Sakura will probably do everything in her power to help Hinata. There's not much I could do to help, but I can offer you support!"

He fought back the tears which were beginning to overtake his vision. Neji had never felt so touched.

'Geez, I'm starting to act like Lee and Gai-sensei!'

"Anyway, I need to fetch Sakura-chan for lunch. Sorry I can't stay and chat with you longer. Tell Hinata I said hi will ya? Later!"

With that, he gave a wave as he ran down towards the doctor's office. Neji couldn't help but smirk. It was good that there was someone like Naruto, there was something about him that could bring anyone's spirits up. He was glad that he would be the leader of the village. He was something the village needs after all. Someone to keep their heads up high even in their toughest times. He turned to walk back home, trying to figure out a way to convince Hinata to go to the appointment.

Naruto walked in the room with a click of the door. He could see his lover holding her head in both her hands with frustration. He couldn't see her face since her head was lowered. She seemed to be in deep thought for her to not notice him.

"Hey." He said gently.

She jerked her head up. Her emerald eyes clashed with his sky blue ones. She never got tired of his beautiful eyes. They always had the magic to take her breath away.

"O-oh Naruto sorry I didn't notice you were here. What are you doing here anyway?"

He looked at her dumbfounded.

"Uh, I promised to pick you up for lunch, remember?"

Sakura's eyes widened in realization.

"I'm so sorry! I totally forgot, there were so many things I had to take care of today and it completely left my mind."

She made a motion to clear up her desk, only to have her hand caught by Naruto's gentle hold.

"Sakura…if there's anything wrong, you know you can tell me."

He grabbed a vacant chair to settle it next to hers. He could see Sakura's barrier slowly cracking as her delicate lips quivered. He leaned in closer towards her, encouraging her to speak.

"Oh Naruto! It's just so hard! I promised Neji that I would do everything I can to help Hinata, but with the condition she's in right now, I don't know if I can really heal her. What if I fail? She's one of my precious friends and I'll do anything to help her!"

He listened intently through her sobs of broken words. He knew the inner turmoil she must be in right now. The feeling of the possibility for not being able to save your precious someone. Just like how he failed Sasuke.

He shook his head mentally, now was not the time to be brooding over his own failure. He needed to listen to Sakura because she needed someone to talk to. So he listened to her dutifully until her sobs died down.

"I…I'm sorry! I shouldn't be giving you more burdens, especially since you haven't gotten over Sasuke…"

He pulled her towards a tight hug.

"Just forget about him already. Aren't you supposed to help me forget about him? I had to do what was best for him and the village. In that scroll, he won't be able to feel time, pain, sadness or anything anymore. He'll be in a peaceful sleep." He muffled through her hair.

She could hear his gentle shallow breathing. Naruto was fighting against his feeling of guilt. The thought that Naruto couldn't stop beating himself for betraying his 'brother' made her blood boil. It wasn't his fault! He didn't betray Sasuke, but rather saved him in a way. It was Sasuke who betrayed him!

"Just shut up! It's not your fault. It's his! That bastard-"

She felt his encircling embrace leave her body, brushing away the mental whimper of the lost contact. She was now at arm's length. Sky blue eyes looked down casted. Sakura felt her heart drop to the bottom of her stomach.

"Sakura, let's not talk about him anymore. Let's just move on…"

Guilt overtook her entire conscience.

"I shouldn't have said that…"

The room went into cold silence. Only the sound of the ticking clock echoed through the quiet office.

With a sharp inhale of breath, the blonde offered her one of his ever famous grin.

"Will you look at the time? We've wasted a lot of your lunch time. We better leave now if you still want to eat lunch. I'm starving!"

That was just like Naruto, trying to forget the pain and move on. He was always shouldering those burdens alone for nearly his entire life. But now, he won't be facing those burdens alone anymore. Sakura had promised herself, since the day they started to be a couple, that she would shoulder them together with him. She would hold his hand, keeping him away from loneliness and sadness.

Back at the Hyuuga mansion, Neji was having a difficult time convincing Hinata to go to the hospital in a civilized manner; he was doing his best to not snap at the persistent woman.

"Neji-nii san! How could you lie to me like this? You said you believed me…I thought I trusted you!"

"Hinata-sama, it's just a general check up. Nothing more I promise."

"You're lying! You think I'm going crazy aren't you? That's why you want me to get a check up."

Neji looked away from the former heiress's tear filled eyes.

"Hinata-sama, listen to me…"

The conversation was getting nowhere. It was out of character for Hinata to act with such outburst. It seems her condition hadn't been getting better.

She got up from her futon and rushed towards a corner in crouched defensive posture. She was starting to form an invisible shield for herself with her arms encircling around her knees. Her hair and yukata were disheveled. He couldn't stop looking at state without feeling sick himself. This was not the Hinata he knew. This made his resolve to get her to see Sakura even stronger. He fisted his knuckles and set his lips into a firm line. He stalked towards the pathetic looking woman cowering in the corner.

"D-don't come any closer!"

She was shrieking at the top of her lungs, which Neji resisted the urge to wince.

The sliding door of her room slammed open with harsh footsteps invading.

Hiashi stood in his proud posture, glaring down at Hinata with crossed arms. He was starting to get tired of her childish behavior.

"Hinata, you will stop acting like such a child this instant. This is outrageously pathetic! You will go to the hospital tomorrow and that is an order."

Seeing that she was about to retort, he snapped his head towards Neji.

"Do not waste your time trying to coax this pathetic girl. Do everything you must to drag her there even if you have to knock her out or injure her I. Don't. Care." He bit out the words like venom.

The clan leader glared daggers at her once more before stepping out. Hanabi could be seen peeking from the side of the door worriedly at her older sister before following her father.

The next morning came like a trial for Neji. To him, it was a challenge worthy to be classified as an S-rank mission. Trying to get Hinata to go to the hospital was like trying to talk to a rock. She wouldn't budge an inch from her corner. Injuring her was out the question, so the option he had was to somehow knock her out. It was impossible to reach her at arm's length without being hissed at and having her palms ready to strike. She was just like a cat that was cornered. An idea struck him; he reached for his pouch to produce a senbon. This should be enough to drug her into unconsciousness. Using his deadly ANBU skills, he threw the senbon in one swift strike with deadly precision. With only one try, he hit the mark. Neji was surprised at his rather easy victory. Then again, Hinata wasn't in a stable condition, so it was expected that her reflexes were a little off. He waited until her struggle for consciousness subsided before carrying her over to the hospital where he knew Sakura and Ino would be expecting them.

"Neji you knocked her out!" Tenten accused disbelievingly.

Tenten was in charge of the reception today and Neji was waiting for her to take him to the appointed room.

"I had no other choice. I had to," he shrugged.

"But-"

"Tenten, I need Sakura to see her now."

"She's in room 302 with Ino; you know where that is right?"

He nodded.

"Tell me how it went, alright?"

"Sure."

He rushed off without wasting another minute.

Both Ino and Sakura were dressed in their professional attire, waiting patiently for Hinata to arrive. They were relieved to see an unconscious Hinata when Neji arrived. This would make their job a lot easier.

"Good, you're here. Settle her down on that bed over there," Ino directed.

Neji did as he was instructed, settling his cousin down on the bed hidden behind the curtains. Sakura pointed towards a seat near the door.

"Neji, you wait by that seat while we check her up."

"Please take care of her." He said before settling himself in his seat with nervousness gripping his heart.

"Don't worry, we're just going to check what's going on in her head," Ino reassured.

Once he was settled in his seat, the doctors nodded towards each other, indicating that they were ready to carry out the examination. Sakura shut the curtain closed in a swift motion.

"Sakura, I need you to hold her down for me just in case if she jerks awake."

With gentle hands, she held the woman's shoulders firmly against the bed, making sure that she was securely down. Giving the signal that she was ready, Ino set her hand on Hinata's head. She was beginning to enter her patient's mind.

Ino glanced at her surroundings. There was nothing, only darkness. Usually a person's mind would contain images, memories and such but shockingly, her mind was blank. It was as if her mind was an empty void. It was perplexing for the doctor.

"What in the world?"

The darkness suddenly oozed like dark ink surrounding her. It was then the sharp smell hit her. The smell of blood. Ino shrieked and forced released her jutsu, bringing her back to reality.

Sakura who had seen Ino gasping with fear snapped her head towards her in alarm.

"Ino! What's wrong?"

She took a moment to recompose herself before replying.

"I need to file in a report to Tsunade-sama. This is a condition which I have never seen before."

Ino whispered, making sure Neji wasn't able to hear.

"How serious is it?" she whispered back.

"It was bad," she finished. Her gesture implied that they should leave it as it is for now. That is, until they are out of Neji's presence.

"I'll give all the details when we discuss with Tsunade-sama."

Sakura nodded in understanding before releasing Hinata from her hold.

Opening the curtain, they could see Neji standing up abruptly to hear the news.

"What's her condition?"

Sakura set a firm gaze on him.

"For now, her condition is not very clear. We need to discuss it first with Tsunade-sama for further clarifications. I'll ask her to take a look at Hinata tomorrow, for now, you should take her home for rest. We'll prescribe her some pills and herbal tea to help her relax. We'll have Tenten give them to you at the reception."

Neji decided to not ask her further questions about his cousin's condition, since they give off the impression that they weren't ready to disclose the information yet.

"In that case, is it alright to schedule an appointment at around the same time?"

Ino gave him an apologetic look.

"We're not sure since Tsunade-sama has been very busy lately. But, we'll give you a call for the appointment."

"Sounds good, thank you."

Neji excused himself with an unconscious Hinata in his arms.

Sakura lifted her hand in protest.

"Uh, Neji! Don't you think you should leave her here until she wakes up?"

He turned around with a thoughtful look.

"I can't do that, if she wakes up, who knows what havoc she'll be capable of doing. She's not mentally stable remember?"

Both Ino and Sakura looked at each other in confusion.

"I guess he's right… we wouldn't want the other patients to be disturbed now do we?"

Sakura couldn't help but agree.

"I guess…"

"If you'll excuse me."

Neji left to the reception where Tenten would be giving him the prescribed medicine.

Both female doctors were standing before the Hokage's desk waiting for their report to be heard.

"Report!" Tsunade demanded.

Ino took the initiave to speak.

"The state of Hyuuga Hinata is exactly as what I had read in one of the forbidden jutsus under the medical records."

"Elaborate."

"Her mind was blank and it acted as if it had activated some kind of automatic defensive mechanism. There was a forbidden jutsu which seals away a person's mind to prevent interrogators or mind reading jutsus from getting any information out of them."

"Are you implying that there's someone in the midst who is taking control over her mind?"

Ino shifted uncomfortably under Tsunade's scrutiny.

"I think so…"

"Sakura!" she snapped.

Sakura immediately straightened her posture mostly due to the surprise.

"Yes, master!" she stated firmly.

"I want you to look into every record of Hyuuga Hinata, especially her missions. See if there are any indications that show she had contact with anyone suspicious outside of Konoha."

Could Tsunade be suspecting that the Hyuuga had committed treachery? Does she think of her as a potential traitor to the village? That's preposterous!

Sakura was about to open her mouth to defend her friend, but decided to clamp her mouth shut the moment she saw the glint in her mentor's amber eyes. She was dead serious. Sakura had no choice but to follow her orders without question. She was after all, the Hokage so she must have had her reasons.

A/N: Be patient guys! Sasuke will eventually make his spectacular debut either in the next chapter or the chapter after that. Thanks for reading!