Protector

Thank you everyone for your support! I didn't expect many people to like it since half of the first chapter was about Hiashi and Hizashi… Only at the later half do we see a glimpse of Hinata and Neji. Ohya, I forgot to mention that Neiji is five years old, just a year older than Hinata. By the way, in my story, Hiashi and Hizashi aren't brothers. Okay, enough of my blabbering. Let's go on with the story! XD

Lying on the futon, Hinata slept soundlessly oblivious to the world around her. Beads of perspiration streamed down her forehead as her eyebrows knitted together. Due to the excessive moisture, her indigo hair became damp and was sticking to her face. Sitting beside her, her father's forehead creased with worry as he soaked a towel in a pail of cool water. Hiashi then folded the wet towel and placed it on his daughter's forehead, hoping that it will ease her pain.

Neji waited outside on the corridor opposite the boy's room. He had asked directions from other branch house members where the boy's room was after his talk with his father. "The boy being branded with the seal today…. Hmmm… Do you mean Hiashi's son, Hidaka?" one branch house member answered and had given him directions to the boy's location. So that boy's name is Hidaka…

He wasn't sure why he wanted to know how the boy was. Maybe it was because he found another person who was around the same age as him. Maybe he just wanted to befriend him. Maybe he did this out of boredom. Maybe he was lonely and desired companionship – for some odd reason, most branch house members avoided him as if he had some kind of contagious plague. Whichever reason it was, it didn't matter at this point of time. All of them led to his decision of checking up on Hidaka.

Time crept by slowly as Neji contemplated his options. Should I enter the room or wait outside? If he entered the room, what was his reason for coming into the room? What if someone else was there? But if he waited outside, how can he know what was happening to Hidaka? Urgh! Why is this so difficult?

All of a sudden, the fusuma of the room slide opened, revealing the figure of an adult – Hiashi. Using his quick reflexes, Neji swiftly hid behind the nearest pillar so as to avoid being discovered. Hiashi was clasping the pail of water with the soaked towel inside as he closed the fusuma. It was time to change the water and bring some food for Hinata.

When Hiashi was out of sight, Neji raced to the door as noiselessly as possible. Courage welled up inside him as he stepped into the room. He tiptoed to Hidaka's side and sat down. From Hidaka's pained expression, Neji deduced that the throbbing headache had not subsided.

His eyes stayed fixed on Hidaka's face, unsure of what to do. Then, he observed a faint mark beneath Hidaka's bangs. Due to his nature of being inquisitive, Neji pushed the indigo bangs aside to get a better look. The seal, which looked like a cross, was imprinted on Hidaka's forehead. Neji suddenly felt pity for the boy, the latter's pain searing through the former's heart. The cursed seal that is solely for branch house members to remind them of their duty and responsibility… A mark that differentiates the two houses…

Unexpectedly, Hiashi arrived in the room with a new pail of water and a bowl of porridge. He looked at Neji peculiarly, wondering why he was here. "What are you doing here, Neji-sama?" inquired Hiashi. He did not want to be rude and offend the heir of the Hyuga Clan but it was rather strange of him to visit a lowly branch house member.

Astonished, Neji wrecked his brain for any reason that would sound credible. "Oh… What am I doing here? Hmmm… Yeah, what am I here for?" he asked himself. "I was… Erm…" Then, he had an idea. "I was finding my father. Hmmm… looks like I entered the wrong room. Sorry for interrupting," Neji lied and briskly took his leave. Okay, that was weird… Hiashi thought but he shrugged it off and continued to care for his daughter.

In the serene night, Hinata woke up due to the loud growling her stomach was making. "You're awake, Hinata," Hiashi spoke, glad that his daughter had finally come around, "Are you feeling better?" Hinata looked at her father, "Not really, I'm kind of hungry." Her grin stretched across her face. "That's a relief, here," Hiashi pushed her the previous bowl of porridge that had been reheated. It was difficult to feed her porridge when she was unconscious.

"What happened to Neji-sama?" Hinata asked as she gorged the porridge. She was worried that she had caused the heir of the Hyuga Clan to be reprimanded by his father. "He's fine, don't worry. In fact, he just visited you a few hours ago," Hiashi replied. "That's nice of him," Hinata said, a smile lighting up her face.

"Erm… Hinata, I think you should keep a distance away from him," Hiashi told her truthfully. "Why?" Hinata, once again, could not understand. "Years ago, Hizashi suggested to unite both houses. However, it led to the death of three branch house members. In the end, people started to resent his idea," Hiashi explained.

"What if the main house branch members are furious with you for being too close to the heir? I have no idea what they will do to you. You may even die just like the three branch house members. I don't want this to happen to you," Hiashi's concerned voice gave his true emotion away. Even if they don't do anything, the elders won't let you off.

Hinata nodded her head, indicating that she will do as he said. She knew that his father was doing it for her own good. How can she blame her father for being worried for her? Furthermore, she would not have any more connections with Neji from now on. Why would she argue with him then? It's not as if I'm going to see him everyday…

The chirps of birds sounded like a tuneful melody, with magnificent crescendos, showing their joy. Hizashi had gathered the elders, Neji, Hiashi as well as his son in the early morning. As everyone settled down in their allocated positions, the Head of the Hyuga Clan cleared his throat, indicating that he was about to start the meeting.

"From now onwards, Hidaka will be assigned as Neji's protector," he announced, his words echoed in the room. He had decided this yesterday when he saw Neji leaving Hiashi's room. By making the two – Neji and Hidaka, interact with each other; Hizashi's son may have a different opinion of branch house members. Hopefully, his son will carry on his idea of uniting both houses.

Bewilderment could be seen on everyone's faces, including the two people mentioned. Neji was surprised at his father's decision to choose Hidaka of all people to be his protector. However, he was also relieved that it was Hidaka. He didn't know why but he just had that feeling. On the other hand, Hinata was also experiencing the same feeling. She was wondering why Hizashi had chosen her. She knew for sure that her father must be worried.

"Wait, Hizashi. I think you should reconsider this. Why do you choose Hidaka as Neji's protector? Shouldn't it be someone who has more experience or highly skilled?" one of the elders objected. At this point of time, Hiashi nodded inwardly, agreeing with the elder although he didn't want to admit it.

"I understand Hidaka is still too young. However, Neji won't be leaving the house so he won't endanger himself. Moreover, most branch house members are occupied with other matters. Hidaka is the most suitable candidate – at least, he is unoccupied," Hizashi explained his reasons.

The elders kept silent, they couldn't retort – what Hizashi stated were facts, undeniable facts. Hiashi was surprised by Hizashi's victory. Yet, at the same time, he was worried for his daughter. "Hinata, be careful and remember to keep a distance from Neji," Hiashi whispered as he turned to Hinata. In response, she nodded, keeping her promise. I will.

Neji wanted to applaud his father for his triumphant victory. Hidaka was going to become his protector from now on! He could feel the excitement building up in him. What can we do? Play games? Chat about our lives? Anything! He opened his arms and welcomed the idea of a friend.

A heavy silence filled the air as Hinata followed Neji around the house, wandering aimlessly. They were now standing in the courtyard after exploring the house for a few minutes. "So you're my protector from now on…" Neji stated, attempting to strike a conversation between the two and at the same time, breaking the awkward silence. He didn't expect this to happen, especially the silent atmosphere. Hinata nodded her head in response. This had to change; he had to do something. "Hmmm… I'm bored. Do you have any suggestion of what we can do?" Neji asked, turning around and facing Hinata. The latter kept her promise with her father and only shook her head, stubbornly speechless.

"Why are you so quiet?" Neji wondered aloud, "Don't tell me you have a fever." Without warning, he placed his hand on her forehead, measuring her temperature. Yikes! Hinata immediately flushed, a crimson shade appearing on her cheeks. This was the first time another male besides her father who touched her forehead. Unconsciously, she stepped backwards, moving a few steps away from Neji. Even when his hand had left her forehead, Hinata could still feel her heart thumping and the area touched by his hand – warm and tingling.

"You seem fine…" Neji dropped his hand to his side. He was slightly shocked at Hidaka's reaction. Why is he blushing? It was one of the rare occasions where Neji caught a glimpse of a boy being embarrassed. He dismissed the thought, guessing that Hidaka was an introvert and probably didn't like to come into contact with another person. But he was rather cute…

The minutes ticked by more slowly than usual as the two continued to be quiet – uncertain of what to do or say. At last, when both of them were tired of standing, they rested at the rocks near the pond. The clear water glistened like a mirror and reflected the two children nearby. Nature is an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only tune in. The twittering of small birds like sparrows was the only sound existing in the courtyard; it seemed to be a song that God wished to convey to the two. What exactly does the melody signify?

Unnoticed by the two, a group of three elders had been keeping an eye on them, well hidden behind the trees and bushes. They were just a stone's throw away from the two children, allowing them to hear the rather soundless ongoing conversation clearly. The three elders nodded at each other, satisfied that Hidaka knew her position and kept his distance from the heir. If everything is unchanged, there is a possibility that Hidaka can keep his job and life.

The inky, blue-black sky indicated that it was evening. Kneeling on the cushions, the father and son seated opposite each other. There was a wide spread of fine dishes, a variety of sushi – nigiri sushi, maki sushi, inari sushi and so much more, all made by the best chefs of Konoha. "Itadakimasu!" Hizashi and Neji spoke in unison as they clapped their hands together.

Using the pair of wooden chopsticks, Hizashi began to have his dinner. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that his son had not touched the cuisine. Supposing that he was busy thinking of other matters, Hizashi did not disturb him and continued eating. A few minutes later, Neji seemed to have finished thinking whatever he was busy pondering about. Hizashi concluded this from the way his son was literally, poking the salmon nigiri sushi.

Hizashi cleared his throat, effectively catching the attention of the only other person in the room. "Son, can you have some table manners? Do you know you're spoiling my appetite?" he asked, trying his best not to sound rude yet at the same time able to convey his intended message.

"Father, shouldn't you be concerned over your son instead of the food?' Neji countered. "Alright. Why are you unhappy, my son?" Hizashi inquired, yielding to Neji's request as he placed his chopsticks on the table and faced his son, giving him his full attention. Neji looked at his father, pleased that his father had asked the right question. Maybe he can offer me some tips.

"Hidaka, my protector, doesn't seem to like me. He isn't even talking to me," Neji explained the reason why he was unhappy. "Oh… So that's it. It's really a simple problem. I heard from the other ninjas that there would be a meteor shower tomorrow," Hizashi informed his son who looked confused how the information was of use to his problem. "You can take him with you. Maybe he'll befriend you after knowing you're not that bad," his father continued, shrugging his shoulders. He was doubtful whether it would work but it was definitely better than Neji's solution of doing nothing and having the discontented face. Hmmm… Meteor shower?

Glossary
Fusuma: Sliding doors made from wood and paper, which are also portable and easily removed. Fusuma seal each partition from top to bottom so it can create a mini room within the house. Partitions within the house are created by fusuma.
Konoha: Hidden village within the Land of Fire, also known as "Konohagakure", "Village Hidden Among Tree Leaves" or "Hidden Leaf Village"
Itadakimasu: I gratefully receive

Here's the end of chapter two! Doesn't seem funny though… Read and review please! Once again, thanks everyone for your support! XP Sorry but I will be very busy next week so I can't upload the next chapter so soon.