Discovery
You're really astute, miz! The answer for the first question will be at the end of this chapter and the beginning of the next chapter ^^ Thank you so much for pointing out Hinata's scent! I've edited it =] Here's the next chapter!
The ominous sun shone its resplendent rays upon the Hyuga household. The perimeters of the backyard were packed and from what Hinata could see the crowd flowed into the corridors and the surrounding rooms. The Head of the Hyuga Clan, the heir and the elders were seated in the shade and were given the best view of the match. From the corner of her eye, Hinata spotted her father and sister standing at the congested corridor.
Hinata was standing in the middle of the backyard with two other people – the referee, a highly respected Hyuga member and her opponent for the Protector Examination, Makito. Hizashi had tried to reject most of the applicants the elders had suggested. For instance, Sasuke Uchiha. The elders had requested for Sasuke's help before asking for Hizashi's permission. Fortunately, Sasuke had declined it, stating that he was fully occupied with all the missions assigned to Team 7. The elders had put pressure on Hizashi, demanding that he could not refuse all their recommended contestants. In the end, he had selected Makito, a talented Genin. Makito was not Neji's equal but he still performed exceedingly well in the Ninja Academy. Hizashi's worry was half quelled when he observed Hidaka's training in the past few days. His son had diligently tutored Hidaka so Makito should not be a problem. Without a doubt, he had confidence in his son and Hidaka.
"Three. Two. One. Start!" The referee shouted and signaled. Both participants lunged forward simultaneously, hands outstretched, ready to hit the other. A fierce engagement between Hidaka and Makito began. They traded blows rapidly. Hinata had her Byakugan activated, her hands as her weapon while Makito used his legs to execute lethal kicks. It was apparent that Makito was gaining the upper hand with him constantly attacking while Hinata's hands were drawn upwards in a sort of defensive gesture. Go, Hidaka! Neji cheered internally, his hands balling up in fists so tight that his knuckles turned white.
Waves of thick blackness broke over Hinata. Her eyelids felt heavy all of a sudden as if they weighed a ton. She stumbled a bit but managed to keep her balance. This unexpected movement caught Neji's eye. Something's wrong with Hidaka! Thoughts raced quickly through his mind as he attempted to come up with a solution. "I suggest we have a time-out," he asserted in a firm tone. "I don't think that's a good idea, Neji. The examination has just began," an elder reasoned, representing all the other elders. Neji would have protested but the immovable stubbornness was evident on all the elders' faces.
Hinata shook her head, clearing the overwhelming dizziness. A few seconds long enough to strike! That's all I need! She saw her chance when Makito was raising his leg and spinning in mid-air to hit her, the whole weight of his body behind that impending blow… and she grabbed that chance! Her eyes narrowed, hands relaxed and drew a deep breath.
She struck, swift as a hunting bird. Tapping gently the tenketsu on his leg, disbelief filled her. I did it! I really did it! She felt whatever had been holding her up, the current of sheer willpower and determination, collapsed as darkness filled her.
Hidaka slumped to the ground, unconscious.
"Oniisan!" "Hidaka!" Hanabi and Hiashi exclaimed, rushed to Hidaka's side and helped him up. Makito, on the contrary, was standing still until he jerked reflexively with pain, staggered and fell. The referee bit his lips, uncertain how to judge the battle. The crowd exploded into comment, argument, and discussion. "The winner is… Hidaka!" The referee finally announced when the noise level crept upwards and there were scattered "Hidaka won" and "Makito lost" at every corner.
Neji was prepared to help Hidaka, his body half-rose when his father stopped him and he settled back in his seat. He followed Hizashi's glance towards the surrounding elders that were having a dispute over the referee's judgment. A quiver of anger went through the heir. Isn't Hidaka's health more crucial than the verdict?
"It must be them, otousan! The two Genins that came to our house during noon. I've never seen them before. They're not oniisan's friends. They've even brought a bento. It must be poisoned!" Words of anger erupted from Hanabi as the memories flooded her mind.
"Hidaka's asleep," Hiashi informed after checking Hinata's pulse by placing two fingers on her wrist. "Well, if they really did poison him. It was only sedative." He glimpsed at the pout on his younger daughter's face and joked, " Look on the bright side, it's not laxative!" When he saw that Hanabi grinned in response, he told her to help carry Hidaka back to the room.
They left, leaving an enraged Hyuga heir behind. Neji rose from his seat and strode away, every step full of barely leashed savagery. How dare they…
The two Genins were oblivious to the danger that was lurking around every corner until… it was too late. No one knew for certain what happened to them except that when they reported for their mission the next day; there were discolorations under their eyes caused by you-know-who's fists and cuts and gashes on their arms and legs. They should count themselves blessed for receiving external wounds. He was capable of inflicting internal injuries that were more severe. That ought to teach them a lesson!
After a day of rest, Hinata had awakened – alive and energetic. She did not feel painful at all; perhaps her defense had minimized the damage caused by Makito. Relief broke across her family members' faces as they merrily narrated her triumphant duel. Whenever she passed by branch house members, they would go up to her and congratulate her. Her protector's position had been secured and the load of worry could be lifted off her chest. Finally!
That was the good news but she also had some bad news. Hinata did not meet Neji frequently the next few weeks because they were both busy with D-rank missions. And I haven't even thank him yet… All the memories of the training with Neji-sama came now fresh into her mind as a sigh heavily left her.
A tidal wave of happiness flooded her when she heard the announcement from the Ninja Academy. The Jonins have organized an outing for the graduating students to a resort with hot springs. Kurenai-sensei had explained to them, to Team 8, that the outing was actually a reward for the conscientious effort the Genins had put into their missions. Besides, they had accomplished many missions and needed a break.
Hiashi had been obstinate and insisted that Hinata should not go to the resort. "It was dangerous," he told her. True enough, it was difficult to persuade her father – to gain his permission but she did it with the help of her sister. "She needs a break, otousan! Take the trip as oneesan's reward for working so hard and turning out victorious during the Protector Examination," Hanabi's tone brooked no further argument.
The resort was splendid. Its walls were covered with somber oak panels. The rooms were illuminated by red lanterns and adorned with traditional furniture. The old wooden boards creaked and groaned under the sudden weight of the Genins and Jonins as they strode across it. Dusk had fallen. The dinner was delectable and everybody was treated as if they were kings and queens of this palace. Hinata could still vividly remember the spread of dishes in front of her – almost like a buffet!
When they were done with their meal, the Jonins instructed the Genins to separate into two groups – males and females. Next, the female Jonins, including Kurenai-sensei, led the girls away into another room. The males remained in the room. It seemed like all of them had to sleep in this large room as Hinata glanced around her. Some of them were already spreading out the futons.
Happy chattering of voices ran through the crowd until Iruka-sensei barked a sharp order for silence. "You guys can enter the onsen as soon as the girls are done." He checked the round, flat-faced clock on the wall that showed eight o'clock. "Probably, an hour or so later."
"What? We should get going immediately!" Kakashi chirped, unmistakable lust in his eyes as he sprang towards the doors. Iruka pulled him back by his collar as frustration flooded over him. Kakashi was pouting like a stray dog that was caught for scavenging the dustbin. "I trust that none of you are as immature as him," Iruka-sensei told the Genins icily, deliberately putting emphasis on the word, "trust" as he eyed them suspiciously.
Gai Maito placed both of his arms around Kakashi and Iruka, his eyes blazing as he flashed his brilliant teeth. "This is an experience every boy has. The unseeable! The untouchable!" His booming voice shattered the intense quiet and made Hinata jump as he exploded once more, "Youth!"
The anxiety level in the room steepened with each passing minute as the boys kept exchanging glances with each other. Iruka-sensei had to resort to tying Kakashi-sensei to prevent him from moving. Hinata could neither understand the tense atmosphere nor what the others were thinking. How did the joyful atmosphere change to this? She closed her eyes and mused on it but it was a futile attempt. Some boys' thing again! She gave up and concentrated on laying her futon on the ground when she caught sight of three boys stealthily leaving the room. What are they up to?
Minutes later, those boys returned and plunged into the larger group gathered in the center of the room. It appeared that they were spies sent out on some unknown mission. When were they given mission? From what Hinata knew, there were no missions on hand for any teams, as the Jonins wanted all of them to unwind.
"It's impossible. The hot spring is heavily guarded by the Jonins," one of the scouts muttered when another one cut in, "I saw Kurenai-sensei at the entrance!" Did he just say, "is"? Who said that it was a resort with hot springs? There was only one hot spring! All these alarming thoughts ran through Hinata's mind as she struggled to gain back her composure. She assembled information about the onsen and her current situation piece by piece. This would explain why they had to take turns. Because they had to share! What should I do now?
Before she had time to linger on that thought, Iruka-sensei declared that it was the boys' turn. A series of cheers exploded across the vast room as the boys swiftly undressed, not bothering to go to the changing room. They merely wrapped a bath towel around their waist and either wore slippers or went barefoot to the onsen. The sight had been shocking enough to leave Hinata in a slightly stunned state for a few seconds before she used a pillow to cover her eyes. A tint of red rose to her cheeks while she scampered to a corner of the room and acted as if she was unpacking her bag.
"Hidaka, are you coming?" Shino asked as Kiba, Akamaru and him strolled towards Hinata. They were already shirtless. Shino had a look of cool indifference while Kiba and Akamaru had the same tormented expression.
"I'm s-sorry, Shino-kun, Kiba-kun. I'm b-busy so I don't t-think I'll be g-going," she stumbled over her words as she cast her head down to avoid looking at them. She felt bad lying to her teammates but she did not have a choice. Keeping her identity a secret took priority over any other matter.
"It's okay. Come on, Kiba!" Shino dragged Kiba away with Akamaru on its master's head. "Shino, let go! I'm not going to the hot spring! I don't want to bathe! I'll stay with Hidaka here," Kiba offered while struggling from Shino's tight grip on his arm. Akamaru began to whimper, sympathizing its master and not wanting to go either; yet, desiring to follow its master wherever he went.
"Hidaka only skipped a day's bath but you?" Shino snapped at Kiba, "Tell me honestly, when was your last bath?" Kiba hastily averted his teammate's blazing gaze, taking on his other teammate's bad habit, "W-Well, it was a w-week ago." Shino deliberately wrinkled his nose in disgust as if sending a message to Kiba that he stank and required immediate disinfection. He clearly was the victor as he hauled Kiba away and they left the room.
The crowd in the room had thinned out, leaving only a few people here and there who were still changing. As a result of the previous commotion, annoyance was written all over Neji's face. And to think they were adults and Jonins for that matter – only Iruka was sane; Gai and Kakashi were obviously insane. And what was with the secret agent business? Do they not have anything else better to do? What a waste of time!
Tenten had already joined the other group and Lee had dashed to the onsen minutes ago. Neji was the only one in Team Guy that remained in the room; even Gai had left with Iruka. Neji had seen Hidaka's teammates encouraging Hidaka to go to the hot spring. Since Hidaka was still in the room, he must have rejected them.
Neji took off his headband, the head protector around his neck, pulled his shirt over his head and wrapped a towel around his waist. Instinctively, he trotted over to his protector and stopped when he was looking down at him. "Hidaka, you should be going too," he spoke dispassionately, without emotion, carefully choosing his words so the other would not notice that he was caring for him.
"N-Neji-sama! I-I'm s-so s-sorry but I d-don't think I'll b-be g-going," Hidaka politely turned him down, stammering way more than usual. The heir arched an eyebrow at Hidaka who was desperately trying to maintain eye contact with him and at the pink patches on his protector's cheeks that glowed brightly. Neji did observe that Hidaka was blushing when Shino and Kiba were with him a while ago. Now, it seemed to have intensified. What's the matter with him? Is he having a fever? Did the wounds he received during the Protector Examination get infected? But he should have recovered from his injuries… It's been weeks now… Or did I mistake it for fever again just like when we're young? This question triggered the distant memory that had been tucked away to the back of his mind for many years. Without saying anything more, he turned sharply around and made his exit.
The floor was dappled with pale moonlight and the room was soundless only to be disturbed by the gentle breathing. Night had fallen and everyone was asleep except Hinata. She had not been able to close her eyes. Instead, she kept turning and tossing on the futon for the past few hours. Hinata turned to her left and Kiba was already snoring with Akamaru curling up against him. Shino was sleeping beside Kiba, still wearing his dark sunglasses. Hinata wondered whether Shino would ever take his sunglasses off. He evidently wore it even when sleeping and bathing as she recalled him having it on before going to the onsen.
She turned to her right and regretted it the minute she did it. Neji-sama's sharp, delicate face, the color of ivory glided into view as he faced her with his eyes closed. His softly breathing form was a sight quite pleasing to behold. His stern expression crumbled as all evidence of authority disappeared. But his face brought other memories boiling to the surface, especially the one a few hours ago when he was… topless. Heat flooded her face all the way to her hairline as she marveled at the fascinating image of his chest and the flat planes of his stomach. Hinata! What are you thinking? Stop it this instant! Delete it from your memory!
She sat bolt upright, shaking her head to dispel the direction her thoughts had taken. She needed to get out… now. To get some fresh air. You must try the hot spring, oneesan! Hanabi's words drifted into Hinata's mind. Hanabi had persuaded her when she was packing her luggage in her room that it was a must for every female on earth. Promise me! Although Hinata did assure her sister she would do it, she was not seriously giving the latter her word, simply pleasing her.
Her eyes strayed to the heir once again. No! After making up her mind, she pulled herself up, grabbed a towel, moved silently towards the exit and eased the door open without a sound. Once she got out of the room, she heaved a sigh of relief. Looks like I have to fulfill the vow now since the onsen is the only way to escape… Her eyes scanned the towel she was clutching and then, she took off down the hallway.
The night filled her ears with unaccustomed silence. Hinata had heard from the others that the onsen was located outdoors. After wrapping a towel around herself, she stepped outside. In the cool breezy air of the night, she could still feel the heat radiating from the hot spring. Hinata felt inexplicably drawn to it, to its crystal clear waters and calm surface.
Neji came to a little rising ground, which gave him a full view of them at the distance of about thirty yards. The first thing he saw was Makito pushing his protector down, sideways, then kicked his head viciously, one, two, three times, sharp painful jabs with the foot, well-aimed. This sent dust flying up in its wake. A spasm of pain twisted Hidaka's face and he let out a small whimper at the pain that seared through his head. The last thing the heir saw was the trickle of blood from the wound.
Twisting and turning, sweat shimmered on Neji's forehead; he bolted up sharply and suddenly from his slumber. Panting, he closed his eyes and pressed his hand to it. It was only a nightmare. His head tilted reflexively to his left, only to realize that his protector was not there. He swiveled his head around the room but to no avail. Where did he go now? I simply can't take my eyes off him for a second! Exasperated, Neji pulled the blanket away and got up.
Mission to find Hidaka, the always-getting-into-trouble and always-getting-himself-hurt, two-in-one magnet, begins now!
The hot water of the onsen unknotted the muscles in Hinata's back, calming her pulse. A wide smile pressed upon her face as she relaxed into the warm waters. Hanabi was right! It is a must for every female, she thought; although "every female on earth" was a bit too much, she quoted word for word in her mind.
Her train of thoughts was interrupted when she heard a shuffle of approaching footsteps. She started to feel a little dizzy, apparently a full-scale panic attack on the way. Abruptly, the door burst open. Shock snapped Hinata's eyes wide open and froze her breath. Her mind jammed, refusing to acknowledge what was going on, and leaving her helpless, vulnerable, in the face of it.
Glossary
Onsen: A term for hot springs in the Japanese language
Read and review please! I really liked the part when Hinata fantasized about shirtless Neji. Hahas! I laughed while writing xD This is also the greatest cliffhanger I've ever written! Hope you all look forward to the next chapter! =]