The Kingdom had hoped that they're demon problems were over with, but it was far from over with.
And the only one able to stand up to him is considered dead and, to her three savior from death, missing.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto™
(Line Break)
"What do you mean gone?" Sasuke glared at the dark haired strategist that sat across the table from him. They sat in Kakashi's home as the male seemed to just be making tea and keeping very calm. "That idiot," he groaned and paced the floor. "I have most of my clan breathing down my neck and now I have to worry about that mesu?" He looked back at Shikamaru and glared. "How do you even know this?" Sasuke asked as he sat back down.
Shikamaru pulled out a letter, "I had an elderly aunt and uncle in Kusagakure." Sasuke took the letter from him and read it over. "I got this letter today, but due to such a slow mail system, this was written about three months ago." He looked to Kakashi who set down a tray of tea, "Thanks," he muttered as he took one of the cups and took a drink. "I just thought you both should know."
"It's been over a year," Sasuke handed the letter to Kakashi, who took it. "She could probably go anywhere now since everyone is about over it." Sasuke stood, "Keep looking for her. Someone will report seeing her soon enough," he walked over to the door and grabbed his cloak. "We will find her, Mage Hatake."
Kakashi nodded as he folded the letter and handed back to Shikamaru. He didn't so much as speak or look worried about the matter at hand; Shikamaru just sighed lightly and stood. "I have to get back before Asuma has my head," he patted Kakashi's shoulder. "Be well," he said before leaving the Hatake there to sit in the silence of his home. It always killed him inside to think that his worse thoughts had come to be realized, Hinata had left him. She had no more need for him to help her, but at least he had saved her one last time. Kakashi reached into an inside cloak pocket and pulled out her necklace. His fingers grazed over the cool metal like it felt different from his own; it just felt a little warmer. He got up and walked over to her room that he had kept in check. He looked over all the books she had collected over the years; he flipped through a few of her journal to see every lesson she had ever learned and her own personal thoughts.
When she was gone, Kakashi spent the first few weeks lost in his memories. He once just lied in bed and looked through her journals in hopes to see if there was something he could have done earlier that would have saved them from all of this. He would chuckle, smile, and tear up as he read through three journals that she had filled. It was like he was talking to her again; how they would talk over a very late dinner and he would find her asleep at the table. His favorite memory was of the one where Hinata got sick when they were up in Yukigakure. He remembered how she would get so flushed and sneeze like a baby. She was only about nine or ten, so he was still a little unsure on how to take care of her. He would stay up all night so that he could make sure she was warm, not in pain, and breathing properly. Kakashi would wake up late in the afternoon to see her trying to focus on her studying.
Kakashi looked out the window of her room and placed the necklace back in his pocket before leaving. He left his house and took the usual path to the castle like he did every other morning; he passed by shinobi that did not acknowledge his existence and a few that would whisper. Even a year didn't stop a few of them. He went through a back door to the training area and there he was quickly approached by Gai and Anko. "How have you been?" Anko asked as she smiled at him, "I've missed playing poker."
"Maybe another night," Kakashi said as he walked with them through the room and further into the castle. "I have been given word that I am needed to do some investigating on a couple of sightings on the kingdom's borders." He went straight to a room that was filled with desks for shinobi captains to fill out reports and other documents. "Sorry."
"It's fine," Gai smiled and gave him the thumbs up. "We will be sure to save you a spot at the table for a late dinner."
Kakashi nodded and waved as he went into the room and the two went back to get their own missions. Kakashi took a seat at a back desk and looked through the drawers for three books he used to document his missions. Kakashi was always at this desk that he just kept his things there; no one would dare steal from him anyway. He took a seat and picked up a Quil feather and dipped it into the ink. He pulled out the scroll mission that had been dropped out at his home and began to copy the mission details into his book. He wasn't fairly happy to ever do paper work and it was only worse that he was always on solo mission. Kakashi sighed lightly as he looked over to his mission report from about three days ago and the memories flooded back.
The Kingdom had never forgotten that day. Anbu and Priest were kept on high alert for months after and even when there was no sign of Wolf or any other demon, they still never let down their guard. The civilians were paranoid and frightened; children feared leaving the home in fear of a demon coming after them. And even some shinobi were afraid that more demons would come to turn them into demons; just like Wolf had to Hinata.
Hinata.
He heard her name whispered everyone once in a while. She was thought to be dead, but the civilians and traders that came and left the kingdom spread rumor of a blue haired woman traveling through the countries, picking up people from the streets. Some rumored seeing her in bars, brothels, and in the dirtier parts of towns. He refused to believe it; he knew Hinata better than anyone and she would not succumb to such a life…he hoped so anyway. If they hadn't of lost her, he would be able to go and see her without a problem. He just wished everyone would stop. A part of him almost wanted to believe she was gone…just so he wouldn't have to worry about where she was and how she was. He felt like he had failed her again; not being able to care for her like he had promised her.
He sighed lightly as he allowed the ink on the page to dry and then looked out the window. He just prayed that she was okay.
That was all he wanted right now.
(Line Break)
"I never thought that Konohagakure would be teeming with so much plant life," a young heir smiled lightly as he crouched down to one of the rose bushes and lightly brushed his fingers over the red petals. "I thought that Kusagakure had the best place land for growing," he looked to a bored looking heiress. He stood back up and blushed lightly as he rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm not making much of an impression on you, am I?"
"I do apologize," she said lightly as she smoothed out her kimono. "My mind is elsewhere," she smiled lightly and motioned for him to follow her. "I'll take you back to your room and we can try again at dinner," he nodded and followed her.
It wasn't a surprise to see the young heiress walking about with suitors that have come from far and wide for a chance to swoon her; some for the power, some for the fortune, and others for the challenge. It was well known that Lady Sakura was named 'the unmoved maiden' it seemed that no suitor was able to woo her. It was revered when a suitor was able to have her request them stay another day with her.
She had an attraction to men with blue hair and fair skin.
A few others have been able to earn an extra few days, but no one knew how they did it. They didn't even know how they were able to do it. It always seemed to be at random when she suddenly took an interest in a man. But none of them ever made it very far. Even Tsunade was beginning to worry that her daughter would never find a husband with her attitude and lack of effort to court in return. Tsunade would have even been happy if her daughter had tried to court Sasuke Uchiha, but she just suddenly dropped him like she had never been attracted to him. Temari and Ino had tried to talk Sakura into marrying one of the suitors she had seen, but she always had a reason to not marry that specific man. Ino knew why of course, she knew it since Sakura turned down her first suitor; a powerful and handsome son of a Lord in Kirigakure. It was obvious to her.
No man could replace her Mage.
But seeing that she is dead, Sakura will one day have to settle with an arranged marriage.
Sakura sighed lightly as she stopped before the heir's doors to the guest chambers, "I'll see you at dinner."
Just as two of his own guards opened the door, he looked back at her and smiled, "While I have your attention," he had such a kind, and familiar, look in his eyes. "You look very good in such a simplistic beauty." Sakura blushed as the heir went into his room and the door were closed, she lightly ran her hands through her hair that had grown back to its original length and maybe even a bit longer. All she wore was a simple ruby hair pin to hold some of her bangs back. Sakura turned away and walked back to her room quickly before someone saw something she would regret them seeing. Once she was back in the safety of her room, she locked the doors, closed the curtains, and sat at her desk with an oil lamp as her only light. She opened up her journal and dipped a glass pen into the black ink. She began to write down everything she was feeling in her special journal. It was the one she would hide under her pillow, but as more suitors came through, the more she wrote.
Sakura wrote down her feelings before she could express them; any personal thoughts that came into her head went down and it was able to pull her away from the edge of the cliff in her own sanity. Every day was a little battle for her to not break down into a mess of a person. She had not moved on since that day almost a year ago. She was not even allowed to visit the grave site since it was outside the Kingdom's limits. Sakura was mad that her Mage was not allowed to be buried in her home Kingdom. So, all she had left been her journal. Sakura was finally on track with her studies and was doing well; she hid her pain much better than she would have thought.
"Lady Sakura," Ino knocked as she spoke through the door. "Lady Sakura I was told to help you pick out your clothes and to borrow you my notes from studies today." Sakura had to miss classes when she was with a suitor. They hang out less and less and Ino was getting worried for her. "I think you would look great in that blue kimono; the one with the dragons on it."
"Go away," Sakura said loudly as she glared down as she wrote what was happening. "I am capable of dressing myself and I have no need for your notes when I can go get the book myself."
"This isn't how you treat your companion," Ino said with a huff.
"You are lucky I don't call my guards to escort you away." Sakura answered. "Now leave me be," her writing became more frantic and she flushed as she wrote down the name that haunted her thoughts.
Hinata Hatake
As Ino footsteps echoed as she walked away, Sakura let out a whimper as she thought to the woman she had held such affections for. She put her pen down and hugged herself as the images of the woman flashed through her memories. She frowned when the images were marred. Was Hinata taller than her? What was the color of her clothes? The length of her hair was even at question. Sakura didn't like that she couldn't remember anymore; she used to be able to have such a perfect image of her, but after so long. Sakura began to write down everything that she knew about Hinata; just in case she totally forgot.
At least Hinata would always be in her sweetest dreams.
Sakura could cope with that.
(Line Break)
The forest was eerie, even in the early afternoon. The trees were thick that the sun was unable to pierce through the foliage of the tree and left the area dark and cold. A small group of three stood at the base of a large oak tree with a carving of the Konohagakure symbol in the dark wood. They waited in silence for what seemed like hours; they knew to wait since they always met at the same time and place every once a week. The wind blew lightly and the three turned to see a young woman walk through the foliage of bushes and high grass. Her body was lithe, light curves and more muscle from long hours of training. Her body was cloaked with a ratted old dark blue cloak with a sun and moon clasp. Her hood had been lost in the past months and revealed medium lengthen midnight blue hair. She walked to the tree, not yet acknowledging those that had been waiting for her and took a seat at the base of the tree. The three sat around her and they all removed their cloaks.
Three women, whom looked to be a part of the same religious standing with matching uniforms that belonged to priestesses, then there was the dark haired woman that had her breast covered by white bandages and a black top that had no straps and only covered her chest. Black curse marks marred her pale skin; her whole upper body was covered with them. They watched her with keen eyes and were slightly taken back when dark lavender eyes looked back to them. "Tell me you have some good news," she pulled her knees to her chest. She wore a pair of formfitting pants and hunting boots, both black in color.
"We do Mistress," one of them said with a nod, "The demons have confessed to the plans by Wolf to destroy Konohagakure."
"He also seems to have eyes trying to locate your position long enough so that he could find you," another said lightly as she reached into her pouch, "this should cover up your demonic aura better than the other."
"Thanks," she muttered as she placed the tag over the old one on the back of her neck. A shock went through her whole body and she cringed as the pain began. It was a stronger seal and it sure hurt a hell of a lot worse. Once she got used to it, she looked back to the three to continue.
"The Father says that with a little more time, he may be able to find the seal you are looking for," the last one said.
"He doesn't have more time," she stood and the three followed suit. She stretched her limbs and sighed as a few bones popped. "I needed that seal since last month. I am no longer willing to wait," she picked up her cloak. "I will be back to the temple tonight for that seal and then I'm heading off," she was then cut off by the youngest of the three.
"You will be in danger Mistress," she said a bit louder than Hinata has ever been used to. "We had a deal for us to stay together and finish this together. That was your promise to the Temple," she said with a slight glare.
"Sister," one of them touched her shoulder.
"Fine," the woman said as she clicked the clasp closed. "Two days and then I leave," she began to walk away, "go help your Father. That man will need it." She then began to walk away, but the middle child quickly ran over to her and grabbed her shoulder. "Yes," she looked down at her since the girl was shorter (only the eldest was at her height and four years older).
She blushed lightly and got on her toes to whisper in her ear, "God is watching over you and he will lead you on the path of your destiny and fate." She then kissed her cheek, "You will be victorious Mistress Hinata; I believe in you." She then turned away and ran off with the others as Hinata stood there in silence.
She didn't need to hear her name. When she had first met the people of the Temple, she had the request of not to be called by her name, so they have given her the name of 'Mistress'. It was because she was unmarried, but they knew she was betrothed to someone as devious as Wolf. Her name made her remember her old life and it caused her to lose focus on her goal. Long hours of training, running, hiding, and planning would not be ruined for the simple fact that she was homesick.
No matter how much it began to cripple her.
(Line Break)
"Nothing," Shikamaru sighed as he looked through all of the letters he had received from his aunt and uncle. Over the past year he had received these letters as to keep track of Hinata, and all he ever heard was about the family, how they were, and that Hinata was being rather distant. His uncle wrote about how she basically worked his fields with very little aid or break. Back breaking labor made her stronger and how she would be patched up for falling from fatigue. Shikamaru didn't think much of it other than her way to cope with being almost killed by her kingdom, but it began to come together when he got the last message that she had ran off. He smirked when his uncle told him that she finished the harvest and left without any aid of water and food from them, or even with the money she earned for working. It was just like her to do something without anything in return. Everything became clear when she ran off; she was going to get her revenge on Wolf and save this kingdom from his wrath. Shikamaru looked over the old mission reports from Anbu members and how they were still spotting demons; only these demons were almost just scouting. They never attacked, never spoke, and they only ran away when they were found out.
Shikamaru could guess with great confidence that Wolf wasn't done with them just yet. A demon of his standing would know if his mate had been killed; and since Hinata was good and alive, Wolf would be after her once more. And the best way to get to her, is to attack those that were precious to her if he hadn't of found her yet. Since the demons were still sticking around Konohagakure, he assumed that he had not found Hinata yet. He also had to figure out who knew that Wolf was still after the kingdom and to be sure that the demon didn't spill the beans that Hinata was still alive. Since then they would have another execution and Shikamaru might not be able to plan another escape as good as his first. The other problem was that with no idea where Hinata was, she could make her return before anything was ready.
She could arrive late to come and save them when Wolf finally came. There was no way that Hinata could know when Wolf was coming, and from the way the reports say about the demons getting closer, it had to be very soon. Shikamaru put away all the reports back into their case and then put his letters away in a crate box. As he put away the reports he came back to see a site that made him turn pale and nearly caused his heart to stop beating.
Naruto stood there with his priest staff on his back and looking through all the letters. Shikamaru felt his throat become dry as he tried to think of a way to get him to stop, but the blonde haired priest looked over at him. Shikamaru tensed as Naruto placed the letter back in the crate, "How long did you think you would be able to hide this?"
"Until…" he stopped and glanced around to be sure that no one was close or listening to their conversation, "until she got back."
"Well," he smirked, "she sure is taking her time." He patted the crate lightly, "I always wondered what happened to her after I had to seal up that coffin." Shikamaru eyed him with confusion as he walked up closer to Naruto. "It was pretty pointless, since the woman in that coffin was just a civilian woman that had died nearly a decade back from illness." Naruto looked over to Shikamaru, who was shocked. "I know what a cursed skeleton looks like, even with the bones scorched and burned by fire, I would be able to tell."
"Why?" He asked.
Naruto fully understood the question. "Why cause an unneeded panic? The people thought they were safe from demons and the shinobi were at ease." He sighed lightly, "I also liked the idea that I knew she was still kicking and screaming at someone."
"No one would believe you," he said with a light threatening tone. "No one would ever believe that she was alive, especially from the Priest that buried her corpse."
"Then I guess I will continue with my silence." He said with fake defeat and turned away. "I have to go and tend to the temple," he waved lightly before walking off.
Shikamaru sighed as he slumped down into the seat and let out his held breath. "You still can't kill him."
"We are going to trust the man that tried to eat ten bowls of ramen under five minutes?" Sasuke asked with a scoff as he jumped down from the top of the bookcase and stood beside the Nara boy. "We might as well have taped a sign to him that reads 'I know the truth' too."
"He kept it for this long," Shikamaru assured him as he stood up and picked up his crate, "just keep an eye on him…and you still can't kill him."
"It would make things easier," Sasuke called after him as he stood there.
"No."
(Line Break)
The world seemed to be darker in Kirigakure; Hinata sat back in the tree and shivered in the cold of the ocean air that bit at her skin. It was risky for her to stay so close to the kingdom, especially right outside the castle. No one had noticed her presence and she was a little worried for the kingdom. She looked into one of the large windows and watched as the guards bowed to Haku as he walked to his room. She sighed lightly as she ran a hand through her hair. Hinata was happy to have her hair growing back; but there was a part of her that wanted to cut it again. It made the back of her neck sweaty and it got tangled and in the way. There was also that part of her that remembered back home.
Everyone liked her hair short.
Even Kakashi once made a comment of how it made her look cute; which was odd to hear from him.
Hinata stood as she watched the Mizukage enter his room alone and decided that it was best to make herself known. Hinata didn't know how to go to, but she needed a Kage that would trust her enough not to call the guards. Hinata had to focus all her attention on Wolf, and that meant letting all the other demons go. She knew her kingdom could not take on an army of demons alone, so…they need some back up.
And what could be better than the Kirigakure army as back up.
Hinata was going to go to Sunagakure, but she knew that there was no way that she could face Gaara. She still had yet to apologies for what had happened to him. It would be best if she didn't drag him into another show down between her and Wolf. Hinata slowly eased onto the window ledge and quietly picked the lock to his window. She kept an open eye for his Akatsuki but it seemed that eve they were unable to spot her. She was surprised that she was able to hide her presence so well; she was half demon too. It wasn't more than a couple of minutes after she took more of a chance to push the window open and snuck in. The only light in his grand room was from an oil lamp at his desk; she slowly closed the windows so that he didn't feel the breeze. Hinata slowly walked up to him and tried to think of the words to say to him; how could she begin to explain what was going on. Only a few things came to her mind.
"I'm not dead," she finally spoke up.
Haku stopped his writing and sat up straight like a ghost had gone through him. Hinata stood still as he turned in his seat to look at her. They just stared at one another as he slowly got to his feet. She tucked some hair behind her ear and she felt a bit flushed when he began to examine her as a whole. "My god…" he said under his breath. "Hinata…" he smiled brightly and walked over to her. Hinata was surprised when he pulled her into an embrace. She never noticed how tall he was either. He perfectly rested his chin on the top of her head. Hinata listened to his thrumming heart. "I can't believe you are alive…" he looked down at her and moved her head so she looked up at him. "I've missed you." He laughed lightly, "I…I even cried when I got the news of your execution…"
"Sorry," she said softly. "I didn't think I was going to make it either." She laughed lightly and he just held her tighter. "I need your help Lord Mizukage." He loosened his hold and held her arms as she spoke. "I'm about to take on a demon army…and my Kingdom is going to be the battle grounds." Hinata took the moment to look up at him to gage his reactions. "And I need to be sure that my Kingdom has someone that will come to their aid. I can only fight one demon…the others will go for the others."
"You need me to send an army there because of a demon attack." He recited back to her and she nodded to confirm. "The council will question me if I assemble an army to go to Konohagakure. Not to mention your Hokage will be concerned that I am heading over with an army."
"Here," she quickly went into a back pouch and then took out a scroll, "this was a message I got from a demon that intercepted it. The language is very old, but when translated, it explains the plan." She handed it to him, "Say you found it on a dead body, a priest will translate, and then send word to Konohagakure." She held his hands as he held the scroll. "Then you send an army," she looked up at him, "Please, I will be in your debt if you did this for me."
"Would you marry me if I did?" He asked lightly.
Hinata looked at him with wide eyes. Her cheeks were brushed with a light shade of pink. "Lord Mizukage…" she whispered, but he smiled.
"I will do this Hinata…I'm just glad that you're alive." He hugged her once more and then placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. "What story will you give the Kazekage so he can help?"
"I'm not going to him," she shook her head. Haku looked at her with slight confusion. "Lord Kazekage was almost killed once because I got too close." She smiled lightly and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "But thank you so much for this. I will be sure to repay you for this."
"I'll hold you to it," he said with a smile.
"I must be going," she said lightly and began to go to the window, but Haku grabbed her arm. She looked back at him with a raised brow.
"Stay," he smiled with a light blush. "You look tired."
"I don't think that your servant would be happy to find a dead woman in one of the guest rooms." She joked lightly.
"No one comes to wake me in the morning," his blush grew. "You can stay here…in my quarters." Hinata flushed red at the idea.
"I really must go," she gently pulled from his grip. "Thank you, but I must focus on more training." Hinata smiled lightly as she went to the window and climbed out. Hinata was sure to lock the window back up, but as she was back in the tree she wasn't surprised to see three Akatsuki members in the tree with her. "Took you all long enough."
"You are supposed to be dead, in all honesty," Kisame said with a shrug as he sat in a branch above her. "I nearly thought I was going crazy when I felt the presence of such a Mage."
"And we knew you were here the second you came into the kingdom." Suigestu boasted with a smug smile. "We just didn't want to bother you and Lord Haku."
"You are rather informal…as always," she smirked as she crossed her arms over her chest. "And you should never let someone so demonic near your Kage," she turned away, "basically inviting me to kill him."
"But you would never do that…" Chojuro said lightly and Hinata looked back at him. He blushed lightly and smiled, "We…sort of…trust you Mage-san."
Hinata couldn't help but smile, "Thanks…Akatsuki-san." She bowed to the three, "but I must be off. Any longer and your priests will surely find me."
"We'll be sure to protect your weak shinobi," Suigestu called with a smirk.
"Try not to screw up," Hinata called back as she jumped down. She glanced back and then quickly ran off into the night.
Suigestu sighed lightly as he looked into the window, "Looks like Lord Haku is still flustered by her appearance," he said. The other two looked in to see that Haku was pacing his room with a blush on his face and muttering things under his breath. They smiled/smirked when he suddenly came up with more romantic things to say and cursing himself for not using them. He still acted like he was a fourteen year old boy with a crush. "Well," he walked to the window, "I guess we better find out what the plan is now."
"Hold on their shrimp," Kisame jumped down and put his hand on Suigestu's shoulder, "why don't we leave Lord Haku to his thoughts? It's been an interesting night."
"Fine," Suigestu sighed, "and don't call me shrimp." He jumped down and then Kisame followed suit. Chojuro continued to sit there with a light smile on his face. It was a pleasant site; sometimes he forgot that his Kage was still under the age of 20. It was nice to see him act so…civilian like at times.
(Line Break)
"What was wrong with that one," Tsunade asked as she and Sakura stood at the top of the castle steps and waved as the carriage took off. Another suitor gone and another issue for Tsunade to deal with; it was starting to turn her hair grey. "I thought he was a very nice man, who seemed overly fond of you."
"The man can't even think of simple dinner conversation without turning white," she said as she turned away. "I have no time for someone so cowardice."
"No one can live up to such a high standard that you set forth." Tsunade said as she followed her daughter. It was at times like this Tsunade wished she had her little girl back, she was so full of life and spunk; this Sakura was nothing but business. "There are only so many suitors left, you should be lucky that some have decided to come a second time to court you."
"One person held up to my standards," Sakura whispered under her breath, but tensed when it seemed that her mother caught her.
"Who?" Tsunade smiled lightly. "Tell me who this is and I will bring them to you at once. No matter what," she said with excitement. Sakura just needed to marry a man before she could take over her throne, his social standing would not be much of an issue to get around.
Sakura stopped in the long hallway, looking ahead with an almost dead gaze. Tsunade looked to her with worry as Sakura seemed to tense more to the point her shoulders shook with sorrow. Sakura blinked a few times to bring her back to reality and sighed, "No one…" she shook her head, "I was merely being sarcastic. No one could ever live up to my standards." Tsunade huffed lightly as they walked into the throne room and took their seats. "Just bring your next suitor and I…will try to get along with them." She crossed her legs lightly and sat up straight as lords and men of the kingdom were starting to enter the throne room to ask something of their Hokage and counsel. "I promise this time."
"I know you don't want to," she said lightly. "I never wanted to marry your father…but Dan…." She smiled lightly as she thought back to the memory of her late husband. "He was a great man."
"I know," Sakura said with a light smile, but then let the smile fall.
"You will find someone that will make you happy," she lightly touched Sakura's hand and smiled.
"I hope so." Not that it mattered to her. Sakura knew only one person could make her as happy as Dan made Tsunade happy. And she was dead. Sakura didn't even bother to listen to anything that was going on. She just sat there and waited for the meeting to end so that she could leave. Sakura went through each day like she did the last, in hopes that the time would pass by faster. She waited for anything to take her mind off of her own spiraling sanity and took about any chance to be alone with her knowledge and thoughts. Everyone acted like the Mage never even existed and like it never happened. But Sakura remembered that day so perfect that it haunted her ever sleeping moment.
Sakura blinked as she looked around to find that she was in the west wing. The medical wing of the castle that was always bustling with nurses, doctors, and the injured; Sakura just stood there. She wasn't sure how she got there or why she was there either. Sakura took a chance to walk into one of the rooms and her eyes landed on the back bunk. She walked over and took a seat on the bed. This was where she first found out that Hinata was so kind that she could use it against her. She learned that Hinata was so charming that Sakura could use her to gain the trust of other royals of other countries. She learned Hinata was so loyal, that Sakura could use her.
And then she learned that Hinata was so perfect, that Sakura couldn't hate her.
"Would you like to see her?" Sakura looked over to see Naruto walk into the room. Sakura shot up to her feet at the idea. "I'll take that as a yes," he teased lightly as he motioned for her to follow him out. Sakura had to jog to catch up with him. "Just…" he said as she walked beside him, "tell no one that I took you." Naruto had been watching Sakura sulk about the castle, and from talking with Sasuke, he knew why. Naruto always had a crush on the heiress, but he knew he would always be her priest, and nothing more. So, just seeing her happy would bring him joy. It would be nice to see the look on her face when she found out Hinata was alive, but if he told, Sasuke would kill him.
This was the most that he could do for her at the moment.
He took her out on to the outskirts of the kingdom and out to a forest clearing where a single stone stood at the end of a long vertical grave site. "This location is unknown to anyone but me, Jiraiya, and now you." He said as he crossed his arms across his chest and glanced at her. "It may seem awful, but," he looked back at the grave, "she went quickly." He looked to her to see her reaction. She still looked confused. Naruto sighed, "Never mind, just know that she is probably in a better place." Naruto couldn't say that with much confidence since he was sure that Hinata was probably fighting for her life at the moment. But there was no reason to bring that up to Sakura.
"You think so?" Sakura asked as she knelt down before the grave and lightly touched the ground. "A demon Halfling…would get nowhere near a good place." She said bitterly. "Having died so shamefully…a-as," her voice cracked a bit, "a demon wh-whore…"
"I put in a good word for her," Naruto said as he watched the heiress slowly lose her hold on her own emotions.
"How could she just go and die like that Naruto?" She asked lightly and surprised the male with her formality. "She knew she had done and would do no wrong. She allowed herself to just perish like some kind of monster."
"She was a demon…" he prompted her.
"Not by choice," Sakura shot back as she looked up at him. "My Mage knows where her loyalties lie and knows that her body, mind, and soul belonged to this kingdom!" Sakura stood and glared at Naruto. "She would never give up on her kingdom like that! She would have found a way to keep fighting and to come back."
"Lady Sakura," Naruto asked quietly after allowing her to take out her rage. "Do you really think…the mage would want to come back to a kingdom that hated her? They would never want her help."
"Then screw this kingdom!" Sakura turned and began to walk away. "She should have stayed for me! I am her Heiress and she is to serve me! I tell her what to do, when to do it, and for how long! She was never given permission to leave me and die!" Sakura began to allow the tears to fall down her cheeks as she clutched fist-full's of her kimono. "She was the only one that was ever truthful with me. She would tease me, scold me, and still serve me with a smile." Her shoulders shook as she looked down at the ground. "I hated her. I mocked her at any chance I could get. I wanted to watch her slowly break under my tyranny. I wanted her to hate me like I hated her."
"But…"
"But I can't…" she sobbed as she turned to look back at Naruto. "The idea of her never wanting to see me again makes my heart want to rip apart and causes me such a physical pain. I want nothing more than to have her back with me." She wiped her eyes and sniffled as Naruto came over to hold her. "I thought my hate could hide my true feelings. This sin I have succumb to... the shame I have brought to my family."
"I think it is time that you got back to your studies, Lady Sakura." He said lightly. He knew Sakura better than anyone; all she needed was someone to listen. And if that is what she needed, he would be that person to just listen. "What has been spoken will never be repeated."
"Good," she nodded as she looked back to the grave, "I'm sorry Hinata…for everything."
(In a stone temple)
An elderly man stood before the large glass window that told the main part of the story from his religion. He was bathed in the multiple colors that were shown with the moonlight hitting the glass window just right. He was dressed in white a black robes and a long staff that had a pure white stone at the top. He was the eldest Father there in the whole temple; he was one of the few that had been able to translate the writings of the first book made of their religion. He was training a few of the younger boys and girls, but no one could know it like he did. He looked down at the long scroll that he had been searching for; this was the one that would finally bring peace to the people of the temple. He closed his fair blue eyes and let out a deep breath as he heard the door slowly open and three set of feet came through, while a fourth set walked slower and with far more power.
"Father," the three sisters said as they were quick to get on their knees and bow to him. "We have brought the Mistress with us." They spoke in such a perfect unison, like they were all of the same spirit.
"Mistress," he spoke in his whispery voice, "how have your travels been?"
"Well…Father," she said as she removed her cloak from respect but it had allowed all her marks to be visible, and the marks had an odd glow to them when she was in the temple at night. Hinata ran her hands through her hair that had become more of a bother than a blessing. "I think I have given you plenty of time to obtain the seal I am looking for."
"Indeed you have," he smiled even though she was trying to be stern with him. "I have it right here for you to take, Mistress." He held up the scroll and turned to face them. "I must suggest though," he spoke as Hinata was about to take it. "My three daughters will not be following you into battle." They were not truly his daughters, but he had raised them from a young age.
"Father," the middle child stood quickly as the hood fell. Her hair was short, like the other two, but she had large blue eyes to match with her dark hair. The eldest had green and the youngest had brown. "The deal is that we would aid one another to the end. We must keep our end-"
"Silence, my daughter," he cut her off with just a raise of his hand and small words.
"Father," the eldest stood, "my sister has yet to control her feeling, but she does make a point."
"Our help for hers," the youngest added. "We are a people of our word."
"I will not allow you to throw yourself into this suicide mission. You are far too young and have yet to learn to battle such a being." He replied and before the three could rebel once more, Hinata walked ahead and took the scroll.
"Fine," she said as she bowed to the old man. "I will finish this myself."
"Hinata-" the blue eyed girl was about to go after her, but the eldest held her back.
Hinata looked back as she threw her cloak around her shoulders. "I will bring an end to him," she nodded to them. "Or at least enough that someone else can finish the seal for me." She bowed low, "You have all done enough. I will be sure to leave a message that this temple is informed." Hinata walked out through the large wooden doors and out into the cold night. A shudder ran up her spine as she turned onto the path that would soon lead her back to her country. The weight of the scroll kept her on the ground better and the seal on her neck was able to keep the darkness from clouding her head.
Ever since Wolf revealed her marks, she didn't bother to cover them. The elderly couple that Shikamaru had sent her to knew her story and offered her a place to hide. But after a day of them caring for her so, she began to work for her pay. The man was quick to be sure that none of his other workers were near her, but soon enough they all left when they were being pushed away from their work. Hinata didn't care though; she took on all their work to be sure she didn't ruin this couple's livelihood. Hinata used the labor to make her stronger, and by getting so strong a lot of her clothes had to suffer.
So, Hinata made sure to keep her clasp in good condition, most of her cloak, and her cards. But with her scars so open, and nothing to hide them from her eyes, she thought of them more and more. And that led to the demon side to come about her. Hinata feared that she was officially a half demon. But, it was only beginning. The voices in her head began to keep her up all night. They told her to kill the couple, the workers, and anything with a pulse. The voices began to haunt her with such thoughts of what it would be like to kill her Hokage, her father, and then to be with her demon mate by force. It was driving her mad.
She finally found peace when the youngest temple maiden found her one night. Hinata woke up bound by rope and with the young girl looking over her scars. No one spoke and Hinata thought this was the end. There was no way that this woman would allow someone marked by a demon to live. But she never did, she just fixed up her wounds and then placed the paper seal on the back of her neck. Hinata first thought the pain was her death, but it made the voices fade.
For a while
Each time she would have to up the dosage of spiritual power to keep away all the voices.
But, for this moment, her demon half would finally be of use to her. Hinata was going to fight Wolf and a very even playing ground. She would show him the mistake of messing with her life. Hinata placed the scroll in her pouch and then took to the tree tops; she began to jump through the air in hopes to make better time.
She knew that Wolf was trying to draw her out of her hiding, and the best way for him to do that…
…was for him to attack her people.
(Line Break)
Kakashi was on edge as he stood outside the Hokage's study. For some odd reason, the Mizukage came to the kingdom with an army behind him. Tsunade was confused, but she had understood when he held out the scroll for her to read. Now, the army was stationed in a few of the training rooms as Konoha warriors began to prepare for a war. Kakashi knew what this was about, he could hear the two talking about what was happening; demons were coming for the kingdom with Wolf leading the way. This was it. This was what he had been waiting, meditating, and training for. He was finally going to get his chance to do something about Wolf. Not to mention, if Wolf was headed in this directions, Hinata would be close behind. He hoped that Wolf doesn't sense her coming. No one can know Hinata is alive as it is.
He was also excited.
Kakashi hadn't seen his student for over a year; he wondered if she changed in anyway. Maybe her hair grew out more or maybe she kept it short since he thought she looked good either way. He wondered if after this was all over if she would be able to come back and be with him. He didn't want to let her go…watching her 'die' was bad enough. Kakashi tried to play it off that his tears were fake, but even the thought that Hinata was taken from him brought a pain to his chest.
He stood straighter when he heard shuffling and soft words; it seemed that the meeting was coming to an end. Without much thought, he stepped aside as the two made their exits from the room, four Akatsuki made a sneaky exit after their Kages. He kept silent as they parted ways; he was waiting for an order. But the way Tsunade was looking at him made him uncomfortable. "The demon Wolf is headed back for your student's corpse…" she stated as she motioned for him to follow her. Kakashi walked a step behind her as they made their way to her chambers. "Have all Anbu on guard in the village, all jonin on guard around the castle, and any able shinobi ready and armed." She gave out orders like it was nothing. Kakashi let his eyes flickered when one Akatsuki went to carry out her orders. "The Mizukage's army will be stationed in the village and around the castle," she said. "Sasuke," she said as two guards opened her doors, "stay by Sakura. Tobi will stand by mine. Kakashi," she looked back at him, "you are the only one with knowledge about this demon. Protect this Kingdom."
"Yes, Lady Hokage," he bowed and then kept his place as the doors closed. He turned and walked away, with Sasuke at his side. "You have to keep by Sakura's side, no matter what happens."
"I know how to do my job," Sasuke scoffed as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"I know. I just want to be sure. If not," he stopped as they both stood outside Sakura's chambers, "she will surely run towards her living mage."
"Understood," Sasuke nodded and disappeared into the shadows. Kakashi continued on with a hard look in his eyes.
He was not going to let Wolf get away for the third time.
(Line Break)
Hinata stood on the outskirts of her village. She held the kunai tight in her hands, as the last bit of her blue hair fell. She ran her hands through poor cut blue hair that she had once before. She decided to go back like she had just risen from the grave; not like she had run away from death. Hinata touched the scroll at her side, to assure herself that it was still there, and then looked out to the horizon as the sun began to set. She could smell them. More importantly, she could feel him getting closer. She had such an urge to go right into her village to take her spot at the head of the army. But, she knew that if she got too close, the blonde priest will spot her within a second.
She wondered what was going to happen when they all saw her.
Hinata sure hoped that no one tried to kill her again. She also hoped that none of her saviors caught the fact she went rouge for most of the year. That would surely get her a scolding from Sasuke for being 'a moron'. It brought a smile to her lips, thinking of what the Uchiha would say; he was always such a know-it-all and a stalker. She lightly touched the seal on her neck. It was almost time for her to rip it off; to finally show what happens when you give someone the power to kill you. Hinata sat down in hopes to calm herself and to keep her from running to Kakashi's house that she could see him again.
What if Naruto found her first?
She wondered if he would try to put her down. To shove her back into that grave she should have been in a year ago. Or…what if he was happy to see her? Hinata almost thought that scarier than him wanting to kill her. Hinata smiled at the thought of maybe even scaring the day light out of him; just for the hell of it. She began to push those silly thoughts out of her head; she had to focus on the goal at hand.
Wolf was coming for her village.
Wolf was going to kill her friends and family.
Wolf was going to try and kill her too; or force her away with him.
And…
Hinata was going to face a demon and the rest of her country.
She wondered which one would get to her first.
(End)
The end is getting close guys. What a journey we have had. I hope that you all enjoy the final chapters.
