The time has finally come, my dears. The time that all secrets shall be revealed. The time of the Hyuuga Massacre. OMG OMG SO EXCITED! GO AIRYO-CHAN, AND SQUEE!
Hyuuga Massacre
Bodies littered the floor. Hinata's sword slashed through yet another Hyuuga, the metal going through his body cleanly. He fell to the floor, his pearl white eyes shutting painfully. That didn't touch Hinata's heart, however. It was locked away behind a glass window, looking out, but unfeeling. Not that Hinata minded. It was easier this way.
There was blood on Hinata's clothes, on her hair, on her face. She was drenched in blood, and she felt that there was blood on her soul, as well. But she continued walking, towards the next Hyuuga that would become a victim to the poisonous sword between her hands. It just so happened that the next victim was her neglecting father.
"Hinata, what are you doing? Where did all that blood come from? You hurt yourself again, did you, you weak useless child!" He screeched, somehow managing to ignore the killer aura that Hinata emitted. He was trying to be rational... Hinata wanted to laugh. The time to be rational was over. Now its either do... or don't. And Hinata would definitely do.
An ugly side arose in Hinata, wanting to punish her father who had caused her pain all throughout her life. To the person that had beat her into the useless and meek shell she once was. But, even after all of that, this man was still her father, and she might as well bless him with a quick and painless death. Just like Neji. He was her father, even though she wanted to see him lying on the floor, witheringly and gasping in pain for hours... Hinata locked that ugly side away, and stepped forward, who glared at her incredulously. He was going to use gentle fist... she might as well make that impossible for him.
She covered the floor around her in the toxic water. It hissed, burning the wood on contact. Hiashi kept his face blank, although Hinata knew that inside, he was quivering with fear. She was a fearsome sight: a bloody girl, covered in Hyuuga blood, with an unsheathed bloody sword, covered in Hyuuga blood. Her father must have recognized the origin of the blood by now.
"Why?" He asked simply, his mirrored eyes piercing her own, Byakugan against Byakugan. He slid into his battle stance, ready to fight for his life. Well, Hinata would not let him. That would just prolong his death, and tempt the sadism within her.
"Konoha is precious." Were the final words he heard, before Hinata disappeared, reappearing behind him, and her sword cut through his body, right in the small point in his back that was his blind spot. He fell to the ground, dead, right into the poisonous water that would vaporize his face. Before his face hit the ground, Hinata was sure that she saw a form of recognition splayed there... but maybe that was her imagination.
She no longer felt blank. She felt dead. She had just killed her father; half of who she was. But she ignored that immersing feeling, and activated her Byakugan, scanning the building. There were no other chakra signatures left, other than Hanabi. Hinata fought off a manic laugh; it was oh so ironic that Neji would be her first kill, and her father the last. But she had to get out of here, before she was found. Hanabi would not be able to bear her sister locked up in jail. And, anyway, if Hanabi wanted to fight her, to avenge the Hyuuga, Hinata couldn't be locked up in jail.
And so, she took one last look back, soaking up the sight of the Hyuuga Compound one last time, before she angled her body away, and ran like the wind. She ran, and ran, and ran. Maybe by running, she would forget. She would forget the sight of her family, their white eyes blank, and dead, dead, dead. Because she killed, killed, killed. It was in that instant that Hinata lost a part of her sanity that she didn't think she could ever take back.
As fate would have it, she managed to run through the exact part of the forest where Sasuke was doing nightly training. Hinata just kept on running, hoping that he would ignore her, but no such luck. Sasuke chased her (Hinata cursed. It was just her luck that Sasuke had some sort of twisted interest towards her), chased her until they reached the road out of Konoha, where Hinata stopped, and slowly turned around, and faced Sasuke.
Sasuke stood, panting. "What are you doing? Why are you running? Why do you have blood on your clothes?" He demanded, the sole survivor of the Uchiha Massacre. Fate was definitely laughing at her, she thought bitterly.
She answered his questions with a question of her own. "Why are you up? The Tournaments are tomorrow." He shrugged, and glared.
"Answer my questions!" He commanded. It was just too bad that his commands, so full of authority and power, went ignored.
Hinata had felt a morbid curiosity taking over. This person was so similar to Hanabi... maybe if she pretended that he was Hanabi, she would be able to understand Hanabi's feelings towards this? It was desperate, and probably stupid, but Hinata was willing to try anything to be closer to Hanabi. Especially now that she felt so far, far away.
"About the Uchiha Massacre... what do you feel towards your brother?" Hinata asked, unabashedly, her body tensing for Sasuke's response. Sasuke instantly tensed, his shoulders quaking in anger. It was a touchy subject... it would also probably be touchy for Hanabi. Hinata stored away that peace of information.
"My brother?" He asked, a fearsome glower taking over his features. His bottled up anger... chose that moment to explode. "I will kill him. I am an avenger. I will avenge my family, my mother and my father. I hate him" Was Sasuke's simple answer. It would have been a normal, calm response, had his whole body not been shaking, had his fists not been clenched, had his eyes not have activated Sharingan. Hinata imagined Hanabi in his place.
"Nothing is ever in black and white. We must always look underneath the underneath." Hinata told him quietly, imagining Hanabi's face. It was true; the world was in shades of grey, all of it. It was a challenge to see what was greyer than the other. There was never a true good, nor a true evil.
"And what would you know, anyway? Someone as pure as you." Sasuke said, his face twisted in an ugly sneer. Hinata blanched, and the image of Hanabi in Sasuke's place was shattered. Had he just... called her pure? Hanabi would never call her pure. Someone who had killed their own father? No, Hinata would not let such a lie be uttered, not in her presence. Not when the guilt of killing her family was so, so fresh.
Her mind sped through ideas to prove him wrong. And she knew she was insane, because the next thing she did certainly proved her madness, her smashed fragile mentality. Because, her brain had stopped on a very bizarre idea- one that at that time and place, she was sure would work. She walked up to Sasuke, who's anger had him rooted to his place, even when Hinata was at such a close proximity to him. He faced her defiantly, even as she place her dainty, blood stained hands upon his shoulders, even as she pulled him towards her.
And then they kissed, and Sasuke's defiance melted, melted to the ground, leaving an utter disbelief and surprise in its place. It was a ferocious, hard kiss. Hinata was pouring all her anger, all her frustration and guilt, straight into his face, making him feel her filth and impurity. It was a strange that he kissed back. He kissed back even more furiously, taking over the kiss, pulling her body (that was tainted red) even closer to his. They were both lost in the moment; the moment where emotions reigned free, freer that either of them had ever let them.
The kiss could have lasted for seconds, minutes, hours. Hinata didn't know, she had lost track of time, sharing her soul with what would have been Hanabi. Luckily, it wasn't Hanabi. But as the siren flashed red from the Hokage tower, Hinata knew that it was time to go. They had discovered the Hyuuga Compound. She pulled herself away from Sasuke, licking her swollen, red lips looking up to see Sasuke's exhilarated face, probably for the last time. He stared at her in desperation, somehow knowing what was going to happen before it did.
"I am no longer pure. My lips are no longer untouched; sullied by yours." Was her parting line, and with a hand grasping her locket, she disappeared in a sprint, leaving him vulnerable in the darkness. May she never know that she had shared some of her madness with Sasuke.
She ran, and ran, and ran, out of the village, bypassing the guards with ease. She activated her Byakugan, wanting to see if anyone was following her; they weren't. Hinata filled with relief, but didn't slow her pace. Not now; she needed to be as far away from the scene of the crime as possible.
Even though she got further and further away, it didn't help. In her memory, the images of the dead were burned into her mind. How many had she killed? Fifty, or a hundred? No, less. The Hyuuga couldn't possibly be that big, could it? Stop thinking, Hinata commanded to herself. And run.
The sun had risen before Hinata stopped, her throat dry. It was time to search for water. There was a river nearby; Hinata could hear its gurgle. Getting a cup from her supplies (the pack she had taken, on her back), she drank. It was a refreshing, crystal water, that quenched her thirst. After she had finished, she decided to hunt. Managing to catch a fish, she grilled it on the fire.
She spent a couple of weeks like that in the wilderness. Drinking from a river, eating by hunting for food, training for entertainment. It was very peaceful, and a welcome change from the way Hinata had spent most of her life. It was peaceful, it was quiet, it was free... and it was lonely. Hinata felt isolated from the world. But maybe that was better, since she had the ability to kill, and has already killed.
Yet all that changed, the day she had met that woman. It was a normal day for Hinata... hunting, and wandering the forests, when she sensed a powerful chakra coming near her. She didn't move, however, not fearing the danger. She had nothing to fear; she could easily kill all the ANBU from Konoha that came for her.
These past couple of weeks, Hinata had developed a new, fearful technique. It wasn't complete yet, no where near completion, but it was deadly, and it was new. Before, Hinata had had the power of creating water from air, but now, she had that same ability of taking it. Yes, now, Hinata had only to touch a person and they became dry bone and flesh. The human body was made seventy percent from water, after all. One tap from Hinata, and she could absorb all the water in seconds, leaving the victim to die momentarily, its heart being already shrivelled up.
Her medical skills had also been improved. Hinata had worked on saving defenceless animals; ones that she didn't need for food, or when in the process of hunting. Her healing techniques (unfortunately) needed the Byakugan. Hinata repaired the chakra system, which automatically sent energy to the areas that needed healing, the chakra helping them heal. It was actually a very clever technique; it would be even more clever if everyone could use it, and if they didn't need to have the wretched white eyes.
The (very powerful) female chakra entity kept approaching her, until Hinata could take it no longer, and solemnly turned around to face her. And that's when she saw her, without the bleakness of the Byakugan.
She had straight blue chin length hair, that framed her porcelain face. Her hair held a paper flower, one as beautiful as it was odd. Her eyes were a honey tone, one that was warm, even though the eyes themselves were cold. Her lips were red, but pierced with a ring, for reasons unknown. All in all, she was a haunting beauty, vivid against the greenery.
"Yes?" Hinata asked, the moment the woman had stepped a couple of metres away from her.
"Hyuuga Hinata. I heard of a terrible tragedy within the Hyuuga clan." She was a paradox. Her voice, warm, was freezing cold. Hinata said nothing, just waited for the woman to speak. But she didn't speak. Instead, she attacked.
In a flurry of paper, the woman had come closer to Hinata, intent on landing a blow. It was too bad that her paper had nothing on Hinata's water. In a flash, there was a wall of water surrounding her, and the paper failed to vaporize it, instead, liquidizing on contact. And then the attack stopped. Hinata, frankly, was flabbergasted.
"You passed." The woman stated simply, her honey coloured eyes trained on Hinata. Hinata stared back, one eyebrow raised in confusion.
"What did I pass?" She asked, puzzled. She had never met a woman so strange before.
"I am Konan." The now identified woman, Konan, said, completely ignoring Hinata. Should Hinata be offended? Then again, there was no point being offended by someone she probably won't ever meet again in her life. Hinata didn't bother answering back her name, knowing that Konan, somehow or another, already knew of it. Instead, she nodded.
"Join Akatsuki." That Konan woman was blunt and to the point, wasn't she? Hinata observed her coolly detached expression, as if they were talking about the weather. And what was Akatsuki, anyway? It sounded quite important.
"It is a criminal organization," Konan explained, her voice still painfully detached. How could she stay that and still be calm? Hinata mused, trying to find an answer to her question. How could she join Akatsuki, and kill people? How could she betray her country, Konoha... wouldn't that make her like the other Hyuuga's? But, technically, it wouldn't be against Konoha, would it? And she'd finally have company... company that she so craved in this isolated wilderness.
"Our aim is peace." And Hinata was sold. Their cause was wonderful, all that Hinata had ever wanted, she would have company, and she would belong... and have comrades once again. Her mind wondered over to Team 8, and how they were doing... did Shino win his Tournament? Hinata had pondered upon this many times... but had always left it alone, knowing that there were no answers to her questions.
"I'll join." Hinata kept her face carefully blank, showing no emotion, as she often didn't. What did she have to lose? She was by herself... it was her against the world. She may as well do something, while she waited for death to come (or for Hanabi to kill her). And anyway, peace seemed like a good goal, and Hinata strived for it.
Konan turned to around, and started running north, glancing back once, as if beckoning Hinata to follow. Hinata did follow obediently, but silently, like a shadow. Although she kept her Byakugan activated (it pained her so... but she had no choice but to use it), not trusting Konan. How could she, when she had just met her a mere ten minutes ago? For all Hinata knew, Konan might be leading her towards a trap, to kill her, and steal her eyes. But, surprisingly, Konan didn't, and kept travelling.
And they kept travelling for two more days. Over two days, Hinata had learnt a fair amount about Konan: she was calm, stoic, and level headed, but also very blunt. She was straight to the point, and Hinata appreciated that, especially when she came from a family that concealed threats with flowery and flattering words.
Right after Konan told her that they were approaching Base, Hinata couldn't keep it within herself and asked, "Why me?"
Konan took one good look at her, and then told her, in a very calm and smooth tone, "You are a famous criminal, and a woman, at that. I would very much like another female human in an organization of only men. Besides, we need ten people for Akatsuki to work, not nine." Hinata nodded, understanding. It got very tiring, very quickly, to be in the presence of men. They were unpredictable, and many of them were quite sexist.
It was then, when Hinata was lost in though, that they managed to penetrate the canopy of trees, and emerge on the bank of a river. Konan walked across the water, Hinata following, senses alert. Hinata watched, focusing on the way Konan opened the entrance to the base. She had bitten her thumb, and then placed her bloody hand on the invisible door. Hinata nearly shuddered. Why was everything connected to blood?
Quickening her pace, Hiinata proceeded to follow Konan into the dark cave. She was on her guard; so far, this looked like quite the trap. But then again, why lead her all this way? And no bounty hunter could have a technique that was that advanced...
The corridors were cramped and narrow, and it was impossible to memorize where you were going. Hinata had lost all sense of direction by the time they emerged into a large room with a high ceiling. In that room, there was an orange haired man straight dead in the centre of it. He had a peculiar appearance; with ringed eyes, and ringed piercings all over his body. But Hinata did not voice her observations allowed.
Konan and the man seemed to speak through their eyes. The man finally snapped his eyes to Hinata, while Hinata inevitably straightened. "You are the new member? Hyuuga Hinata. This ring will make you part of Akatsuki. It is a means of communication between members. Keep it on the pinky of your left finger, or it will not work. I shall leave you with Konan to give you your uniform. The partners have to be sorted out all over again." His voice was smooth, and it seemed dead. The last sentences seemed to be directed more to Konan than her; although Hinata did not state her thoughts aloud, preferring to keep silent.
That was when Konan disappeared as well, but shortly reappeared with a garment in hand. She handed it to Hinata, who took it what was given; a full uniform consisting of cloak, a hat, a shirt, pants, boots, and nail polish. And then Konan left, again, leaving her to change.
When Hinata was finished, she put on her ring, and was officially a member of Akatsuki. She scratched out the emblem of Konoha on her forehead protector, which also reinforced her status. Konan, when Hinata was finished, popped in again.
"You shall meet the others, and your partner, tomorrow. He will explain the details to you." She informed her, and then vanished, yet again, leaving Hinata to her own devices. Luckily, Hinata was exhausted, and sat on the floor, letting herself relax in a meditative state. Nine hours passed all too quickly, and Konan was back, making Hinata snap to her feet. With her, walked in another member of Akatsuki, if the cloak on his back indicated anything.
"That is Uchiha, Itachi, your new partner." Konan introduced Hinata to the dark haired male, someone that Hinata vaguely recognized, but couldn't place. She fingered the locket, taking in the time to judge the man in front of her.
But then it hit her. Uchiha. Sasuke's brother. The individual who killed the Uchihas. He was partnered to her, the girl that caused the Hyuuga massacre. How ironic.
And zat, my friends, is the end of zat. Someone asked me if I was going to get a writer's block. Probably, but I have a detailed plot written down somewhere, so the guidelines should be fairly easy. Now, I'm too sleepy to do much, but beg you to review.
Review, Review, Review,
Aurora-chan!