Mirror, Mirror.

The air was littered with dust, the individual particles bobbing and weaving through the air, landing wherever they pleased. However it wasn't only dust that filled the air, tension also laced the already heavily occupied air. The Privy Council members knelt on their separate tatami mats, their arms folded sternly in the sleeves of their yukatas as they waited for a decision. Reina knelt on her own tatami mat in the middle of the council, her hands laced together in her lap, silently observing the faces of the council members. She could tell that some were unfazed by the absence of the relic; others however were concerned that a part of their heritage would be lost to the criminal world. The Elder leading the council cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses as he prepared to speak.

"It is the concluding decision of this council to retrieve the Kojiki taken by the perpetrators. It has been decided that Reina Hitori , the head of the Antiquities and Contemporary History Department shall retrieve the relic." The Elders nodded in agreement, putting their conviction in the young woman before them. Reina nodded, placing her hands on the woven floor and bowing her head to the ground. She raised her head once more awaiting her orders from the council, not knowing what the road ahead of her would entail. Who were the people Touzuku had spoken of, and why would they go to all the trouble of swapping the Kojiki with a fake and not simply steal it?

"Reina Hitori, as a jounin we think that this mission is acceptable for you to complete alone, without the need for a team, as in such times we are in need of shinobi here within the village. Do you accept this mission, and consent to retrieve the Kojiki and defend it on your journey home?" The elder spoke, his voice filled with years of wisdom and decades of decision making, his tone instilling his faith and expectations of her silently.

"Hai." Reina replied, her response brief yet brimming with determination.

With nothing more to say the council concluded, the senior members bowing to the young kunoichi, slightly envious of her youth knowing that theirs had passed before their eyes in a flash. Reina stood, the others having left the room leaving her to gather her bearings. It had been awhile since her last mission, the Privy Council advising that she remained on a more educationalcareer route, leading lectures and helping out at the academy, due to the situation with her clan's bloodline.

The Hitori clan's kekkai genkai was a fickle one, appearing in some generations and then disappearing from the next. Reina was one of the fortunate generations, she alone from her generation obtaining the bloodline and fully mastering its abilities, the last being her most beloved Grandfather. Her Mother had not inherited the bloodline, having chosen a different path to that of a shinobi- a path that Atsushi was proud of and made very clear. Reina had learned what she could from her Grandfather before he passed; since then she had adapted and put her own twist on the kekkai genkai, adjusting it to suit her.

She broke off her train of thought, glancing out of the open window, the gentle breeze drifting through and playing amongst her chestnut locks playfully; she smiled her stomach jumping slightly with anticipation. It was a travesty that the Kojiki was missing and the thought of escaping the day to day hassle of marking chunin exam papers and be able to put her honed skills into actual action and be of use to the village…well it was nerve wracking. To know that the village was depending on her to find such a prestigious antique, one vital to the history and origin of the country, shook her to her very core knowing that she could mess up at any point along the way.

"Behave." Reina muttered to herself, remembering what Neji had said to her the other day; the warm words of encouragement giving her a new found self-confidence and belief in herself. Her thoughts lingered on the dark haired male as she left the building, the breeze not only stirring her hair more, but rousing her thoughts too. She had known Neji for her entire life, he was her best friend, they knew each other in and out, and lately? Lately he had been acting a little strange with her, like her was hiding something or trying to say goodbye, and it killed her to think that.

Reina, Reina, Reina…

She sighed, running her fingers through her hair, brushing the straying strands from her face. It occurred to her that maybe her feelings for Neji ran deeper than she realised…or wanted to admit. She thought back to when they were in the woods, the blush that had crept onto his cheeks after she had kissed there; Neji Hyuuga never blushed. The only time his cheeks bled pink was normally because of two things: he had been training hard and had worked up a sweat, or he had physically scuffed his skin. Not because she simply pecked his cheek.

But the thing was she hadn't wanted to initially kiss his cheek.

The thought of actually kissing him had crossed her mind, on more than one occasion, and this made her curious. Did her feelings for him run deeper than that of friendship and companionship? Would she feel that electric connection that linked two people together in a way that was only known through tales of romance or haikus? Or was she simply letting her imagination get a hold on her?

It was probable that it was the latter of the two.

She pondered to herself as she kicked the pebbles idly on the dusty pavement, unknowingly heading to the Hyuuga compound. Her body had moved accordingly as if edging her on, encouraging her to take the chance, to live for once and not be constricted by her inhibitions. Before she knew it she was stood at the compound gate, the wooden structure standing proudly against the cemented turf of the city. Reina inhaled deeply, feeling more nervous now than facing an enemy ninja, it felt like she had betted everything on the underdog, the horse at the race that the odds didn't favour.

"Reina-san? What brings you here?" Reina blinked, dragged from her thoughts as she turned to the familiar voice, the soft and hesitant voice of Hinata Hyuuga. Reina smiled warmly, despite her innards wanting to escape.

"Hinata-san, I'm just here to say goodbye to Neji-san before I leave for a mission, is he home?"

"Hai, he is in his room meditating, go on through." Hinata smiled shyly, her navy locks occasionally hindering her pale vision. Reina bowed and smiled gratefully at the young heiress, removing her boots before making the familiar journey around the wooden flooring of the compound, her footsteps making no sound upon the ground. Her footsteps ceased as she stood outside his door; the incense wisps danced in the air, creeping through the gaps of his door, though it was of no comfort to her. The supposedly calming scent entered her nostrils, if anything the aroma agitated the back of her throat, urging her to cough the smell away. But she didn't, she tolerated the odour instead, inhaling deeply as if gasping for the courage she desperately needed.

It was now or never.

Pushing her inhibitions to the back of her mind Reina slid inside his room silently and smiled instinctively. Neji sat with his back to the tokonoma, the scroll that was draped in the alcove hanging proudly as the calligraphy that inhabited the fine paper boldly showed its colours and prowess of the artist. Silently Reina perched in front of him, mirroring his position and closed her eyes whispering quietly.

"Any advice for a girl going out in the big bad world alone?" Neji smiled a little, he found her contagious and couldn't help but allowing his lips to move freely.

"Don't go. Stay here with me." He replied, a low almost silent chuckle resonating in his throat. Reina's smile softened, he unknowingly egging her on. She sighed a little wishing she could.

"I'm afraid this girl has work to do" She murmured inaudibly. Neji nodded, opening his eyes and looking at her tenderly. They held each other's gaze for what seemed like forever before Reina broke the silence.

"I just wanted to see you before I left and…wanted to try something. An experiment if you would?" She looked at him for the go ahead and he nodded, trusting her completely. Closing his eyes once more Neji continued meditating, regulating his breathing as he focused on the flow of his chakra, the natural force flowing and ebbing around his chakra pathways evenly and freely. Reina too concentrated her breathing, steadying her nerves as she crouched closer to him, feeling her pulse escalate and bounce around in her chest, as if her heart was hurdling off every rib in her chest cavity.

Without uttering another word Reina hesitantly leaned in, her lips almost grazing his, she was mere breathes away.

"Rei~…" Before Neji could finish Reina finally closed the gap between them, pressing her lips to his ever so lightly, the hesitation obvious in her actions. The air hitched in Neji's throat, their breaths mingling in an array of emotions; with his meditating long gone from his mind Neji leaned into the gentile kiss, lifting his hand and tangling his fingers in her dark locks at the nape of her neck pulling her closer to him, she now residing in his lap. The hesitation began slip away between pair, their lips moving innocently in sync. Neji smiled ever so slightly against her rosy lips, noting that her lips were cool compared to his own. Reina felt his lips twitch into a smile against hers, her own lips mimicking his as the sentimental kiss continued, her hands resting against his chest, carefully clutching his yukata. Suddenly Reina jumped back from the kiss, scampering from his lap, her pale cheeks tinged pink; Neji attempted to question the sudden movement only to compose himself when the room of his door slid open, his usual stern disguise appearing when a questioning looking Hiashi stood in his doorway.

"Ah Reina-chan, I did not expect you to be calling upon Neji?" Hiashi asked, quirking a brow at the suspiciously close pair.

"Hiashi-sama…No I was simply saying goodbye before I left for a mission as I was unsure how long it will last." Reina stammered, trying to calm her erratic pulse, standing and dusting off her clothes before smiling politely despite the multitude of butterflies that were flapping around in her stomach. Hiashi nodded, folding his hands into his sleeves before turning to Neji, who had stood to his feet, the tension between the family members rivalling that of Reina and Atsushi.

"Neji have you told Reina-chan about your joyous news? I think it is about time we begin preparing don't you?" With an arched brow Hiashi emphasised his words, staring sternly at the younger male before departing from his place at the doorway leaving the pair alone once more. Neji refused to look Reina in the eye, averting his gaze elsewhere; guilt beginning to eat away at his stony façade. Reina tilted her head curiously, gently placing her hand on his shoulder.

"Neji…what joyous news, because you don't seem too joyous?" She asked tentatively, the former giddy feeling in her stomach fading into one of impending dread. Hurt graced the young male's pale face as he stepped closer the confused looking kunoichi.

"Reina I…I tried to tell you the other day but…" she nodded, continuing to listen patiently, the dread simmering away inside her. "I have been betrothed to another within the clan. It's customary within the clan and…"

"Congratulations Neji. I'm sure you and your betrothed will be very happy together. Send me an invite hm?" She smiled brightly masking any glimmer of hurt or embarrassment from him, unable to believe that she could have been so idiotic and presumptuous.

His mouth parted, shaking his head and frowning he held her face in his hands, his palms ironically callous against her silky cheeks. She shook her head attempting to move away from him only to be held in her place carefully.

"Gomenasai Neji, gomen…I wouldn't have…if I'd have known…" Reina's voice faded off, guilt and embarrassment tinging her voice, any former feeling of excitement and hopefulness stopped dead in their tracks.

"No, I wanted to, that's why I did…I've wanted that for the longest of times…" Neji murmured softly, his heart strings feeling like someone was using them as a shamisen. Reina shook her head from his hands, stepping back before bowing to the Hyuuga male.

"Gomenasai Neji. You'll always be my best friend, married or not so, it's alright. We'll still see each other when you're not performing your husband duties." She laughed softly, but he knew it was fake. He knew that he had hurt his best friend, and it killed him knowing that.

"Anyway, I'll leave you to meditate and I'll see you after I get back." She smiled slowly backing out the room, her own chest tightening, not wanting to cry from her stupidity.

"Wait for me to get back before you tie the knot hm?" She called out quietly, closing the door behind her, her smiley and cheerful expression fading instantaneously as she walked away, her thoughts disorientated and unsure as to why she came here in the first place. She shouldn't have come. She should have just left the village to start the mission. It was selfish of her to come here.

She shouldn't have come.

With Neji's room far behind her, Reina sat on the edge of the porch tying the laces of her boots up, her actions slightly clumsy. So enveloped in her thoughts Reina did not notice the Elder Hyuuga standing behind her.

"Reina…" She jumped a little, her body tensing and her senses on hyper alert.

"Oh H-Hiashi-sama…You startled me." She stuttered keeping her eyes focused on the floor below her as he sat down beside her, clearing his throat quietly.

"You needed to know before both your feelings became too deep. It is tradition within the clan and although you would have been an apt suitor…Your clan's bloodline is too unpredictable and we need the Byakugan to have a strong and fortified lineage. You do understand don't you?" Hiashi paused turning his gaze, it surprisingly lax and empathetic. Reina lifted her head to face the elder man nodding her head in understanding, her gold eyes having lost their oomph and fire.

"Of course I understand, your clan is the most prestigious within Konoha, it is imperative that you have as many heirs to the bloodline as possible." Reina replied, smiling understandingly up at him. Hiashi placed his hand upon her shoulder, squeezing slightly in encouragement.

"You will make someone a brilliant and dutiful wife one Reina-chan, and you will always be welcomed within this clan." Hiashi spoke, his words meaningful and true. Reina nodded and smiled gratefully as she stood and bowed lowly to the respected clan member.

"Arigatou Hiashi-sama. Sayonara."

"Sayonara Reina-chan, be careful on your mission." Hiashi returned the bow after he too had stood, before walking away inside the compound. As she was about to take her leave, in the corner of her eye Reina spotted Neji, standing the shadows of the afternoon sun; his expression was sullen and solemn. Reina smiled warmly, the smile that she was known and loved for, especially by him. Neji loved that fact that she was always smiling, particularly when the smile was aimed at him. He was going to miss having that smile all to himself and having to have another woman, who he barely knew, try and replace something that didn't need replacing.

There may have been only one brief kiss shared between the pair, but it was a kiss that neither would forget, no matter who should come along after.

Reina waved at him, lingering a few more moments before leaving, shutting the sturdy behind her, it almost a metaphor for one door in her life closing behind her and a new one opening up for her, one containing new opportunities and experiences. Neji watched her figure grow smaller and smaller as she walked away from the compound; he sighed quietly walking back inside the compound, his normally composed and strategic thoughts disgruntled that no amount of meditating was going to calm.

It was going to be a long day.

••●••

"So you're sure you have everything?" Tomo questioned, fluttering about like a blue bottle fly, feeling a little useless in her older age as her granddaughter had grown up and was now a capable young woman. Not that she was incapable as a child when she was younger, but now she was an independent and formidable woman, one recognised in the village. Tomo smiled, Reina had done her proud over the years, despite wanting to be a more active member of the shinobi world, she had gracefully accepted the terms of the Privy Council, dedicating herself fully to the needs of her students, shinobi and regular students alike.

"Hai, hai. I have everything Baa-chan. It's not like it's my first mission." Reina chuckled half-heartedly, zipping up her bag and sheathing her katana, making sure that the blade was secure in its scabbard. Tomo smiled, her chocolate brown eyes shining affectionately towards her granddaughter.

"I know, but it's my job as a grandmother to worry…" She paused, tilting her head in curiosity noting that Reina's usual spirit seemingly dimmed."Speaking of which…what's happened?" Reina didn't look up to meet her grandmother's eyes, continuing to pack her pouch.

"What do you mean?" Reina asked, slightly confused. Tomo stood from her chair and placed a hand on her shoulder turning Reina to face her, her grandmotherly instincts on alert.

"Something has happened that has upset you…tell me Reina-chan." Tomo guided her granddaughter to a padded tatami mat, sitting behind her and taking out a pale jade comb. Reina sighed softly, sitting down on the padded patterned mat, allowing her grandmother to gently comb her hair, a small intimate tradition between the pair. Tomo carefully ran the ornate comb through Reina's dark hair, brushing her bangs from her face.

"It's just that…Neji has been betrothed…" Reina murmured quietly, playing with the small chain that hung from her neck; the small garnet gem catching the light that fled into the room. Tomo nodded continuing to brush her chestnut locks.

"You have feelings for him?" Tomo replied softly, this being the first conversation about this subject with her granddaughter. Reina nodded a little, unsure of her feelings at that moment in time.

"I think so but, I guess we'll never know how things would have gone now hm?" A light half-hearted chuckle passed Reina's lips, glancing back at her grandmother, a pastel shade of pink glowing in her cheeks. Tomo stopped brushing her hair, leaning forward and wrapping her arms protectively around her granddaughter. Tomo nuzzled Reina affectionately, knowing that sometimes with her, words were not needed. Reina chuckled and sighed softly and leaned into the loving embrace.

"I need to go Baa-chan." Reina said, patting her arms lightly, Tomo releasing the hug nodding.

"Hai…You just be careful, and get to me as quick as you can hm?" Tomo scolded playfully, watching Reina pack her jounin vest away and don a plain black cloak. Reina smiled over at her grandmother and chuckled a little.

"You just make sure Atsushi doesn't try to trade me off again or I'll be forced to dislocate his other arm…" she drifted off before muttering under her breath. "…Or his head." Tomo laughed, standing and adjusting her kimono and obi belt.

"I don't think he will be in any position to move from his bed, let alone plot and plunder." Tomo retorted, slightly amused by Atsushi's groans from down the hall, having been bedridden since the incident at the Fujimoto clan meeting. When Tomo had returned and found out what Atsushi had attempted to do, she was livid. She had never experienced such a fit of anger like that in so many years.

Atsushi was a power hungry man. No matter what rank he had attained in life, it was never enough. No amount of command or authority seemed to satisfy his urge, it was worrying to her. He assumed that because he was a male within the clan, and related to the matriarch then when she passed he would automatically ascertain the power of the clan. Little did he know that upon her passing, Reina would be the one to inherit the title of clan leader; Tomo knew that her granddaughter would be a fair and caring matriarch and had no qualms about this.

"I'll see you soon Baa-chan, take care of yourself ne?" Reina smiled fondly at the elderly woman, she meaning the world to her. Tomo nodded, exchanging the same expression of fondness. Tomo pulled her granddaughter into her arms hugging her briefly before letting her go, dusting her clothes and adjusting the clip on her cloak. She smiled noting how much she resembled her mother, yet had the will of her grandfather.

Tomo waved Reina off, leaning against the foundation post of the compound porch, praying to Kami that nothing happened to her. Reina was all Tomo had left, if anything were to happen to her. She broke that train of thought immediately. Reina was a gifted ninja, she had so much of her cherished Hidekazu in her and she would be fine Tomo reassured herself. She would be fine.

The streets were beginning to empty as shops began to close down for the day, the shopkeepers tired from their early starts and late finishes. Whereas some shops were closing, others were opening, the bars and restaurants starting their shifts for the night. The light of the Ichiraku Ramen shimmering on for the night as the aroma of the simmering broth snuck into the street, tantalising people passing by, alluring them to come in and eat.

Reina's braid swung from to and fro as she walked the dimming streets of Konoha, her boots occasionally catching the random stone that littered the ground. She inhaled deeply allowing her lungs and diaphragm to expand fully before letting the air out, noting all the familiar scents about the village. She had planned out in her head how she would go about in her search for the Kojiki. Firstly she would consult with head priest in the Atsuta Shrine in the Land of Fire, a fairly long journey, the shrine bordering the Land of Fire and the Land of Sound. A wise man whom she had known for years, if anyone would have an idea as to who would want the Kojiki, it was him.

With the gate of the village now long behind her Reina pondered to herself; just who exactly was Touzuku on about? They must have had exceptional skill to sneak into the interrogation cells and mutilate his arm like that, especially with Ibiki and others on duty. So they were talking of shinobi who could sneak in and out without ringing alarm bells; only select shinobi of a specific calibre could enter a hidden village without setting off the sensing system, a technique highly powerful and effective.

Whoever it was she would have to be on her guard.