The Land of Legends

伝説の土地

There, do you see it? Up there on the highest hill in this forest lays a wondrous castle, wide as a football field and tall as a skyscraper, wanting to touch the sky, wanting to do the impossible. The residents are The Hyuuga—they are not cruel, like many antagonists with power and greed, but kind and generous. Their castle represents them and thus, are coated with a soft brown color and built with the best that Japan has to offer, exerting power and wealth. The gates are huge and magnificent, a giant protecting the castle for any enemies. Within the walls of the palace lay what seems like millions of rooms—including the ball room where his majesty enjoys the music and laughter along with his queen. Many windows and doors litter the palace. The doors were made with the best wood from around the world with handles made from silver to gold. But there lies a wing in the south that is both nonexistent and existent. It is visible to the one it deems worthy and hides itself when it feels the greed rolling off the person. The mystery shrouding the south wing is kept in the minimum and it's never been discovered with the exception of a few. The story starts when a coincidence leads to a purpose. Was it really an accident when a young girl stumbles upon the south wing? Was she The Chosen One?

"Hinata-sama you mustn't—" But it was too late, much to the servants dismay. The young hime opened the gate of the cage, freeing the birds. Hyuuga Hinata watched with happiness in her eyes as the birds flew higher and higher. She watched as they sung to each other, rejoicing and tasting their freedom. She, too, wished to taste the sweetness of freedom and to be able to feel the earth underneath her feet. She wished to dance underneath the light of the moon and not stop till her breathing becomes uneven and her legs wobble with every movement. Oh, how she wishes to be free.

A noise sounding like a door opening startled all on the balcony and every head turned to the source of sound except Hinata, who simply walked towards the white marble railing, her small hands gripping it as her eyes focused on the horizon where a few fleeting birds can be seen.

"Oh, Hyuuga-sama!" chorused the servants, all bowing down. Hyuuga-sama just smiled and raised a petite pale hand, signaling to all stand.

"In my castle, we are all equals," the older Hyuuga said with a gentle smile.

The servants nodded and one boldly stepped forward. She played with her dress before looking at the queen.

"Sumimasen, Hyuuga-sama, but Hinata-sama just did it quickly and—and we couldn't…"

The older Hyuuga smiled and rested her hand on the servants shoulder. "Hush up, child. I see what she did and you are not in fault. Please, do not trouble yourself." She gave the servant a smile and immediately the servant relaxed. Hyuuga-sama looked at her daughter who still had a dreamy gaze in her lavender light eyes and then she looked at the many servants. "If I may ask a favor, can all of you depart so I can talk to my child alone?"

All the servants chorused a "Hai!" and left, the last one closing an expensive glass door. Hyuuga-sama smiled and slowly made her way to her daughter's side. Her dress was white, pure, and her sleeves were a light shade of purple. The slap of skin meeting marble floor indicated she wore no slippers, like a proper queen must. Hyuuga-sama stopped at Hinata's side and she too gazed at the horizon.

"Hina-chan, if I can ask why did you free those birds?"

"Ano, because kaa-chan, they were crying for f-freedom…" Hinata looked down, bashful, and tucked her fists under her chin.

The queen's lavender light eyes widened before she composed herself. She smiled and she gracefully went on her knees. She softly turned her daughter to face her and the queen brushed a stray of Hinata's dark purple ink hair behind her ear. Hyuuga-sama smiled and looked into her daughter's eyes. "Hina-chan, how did you know they were crying for freedom?"

Hinata, wanting to look away but couldn't underneath her mother's piercing gaze, answered quickly, "Ano…because I k-know that no one would want to b-be stuck in a c-cage for the rest of their lives…"

The queen nodded, seeming satisfied with the answer. She stood straight and looked at the horizon. She sighed and leaned against the railing. "Hinata…is that how you feel?" Hinata was silent and the seven year old didn't know how to respond. The queen nodded once again and turned to her. "Do not be afraid to say how you feel Hinata. It's understandable to feel this need to explore…" 'I too felt it,' the queen thought. "But you know, Hinata, that you cannot—"

"—go outside, r-right kaa-chan?" Hinata looked at her mother, her short hime-style hair swished with her movement. Hinata looked down and twiddled her fingers. "I-I know bu-but I can't s-stop myself from w-wanting to go b-beyond the castle gates…"

The queen abruptly grabbed her daughters hand and tugged her towards the closed doors. "Then, my young hime, I must show you a way to escape this dreadful place, ne?"

Hinata's eyes widened. Did her mother in fact mean…?

The Queen opened the door gently and proceeded to take Hinata down the endless hallways of the castle. Hinata looked down to see her mother's bare feet peek out once in a while underneath her white dress. The young Hyuuga girl picked up her purple dress slightly to see white slippers hugging her cute little feet.

"A-Ano, kaa-chan…?"

"Hai, Hina-chan?"

"Wh-When would I be able to walk bare-barefooted?"

The Queen slowed her walking and looked at her daughter. Sadly, the weak immune system carried within Hinata's body denied her the joy of feeling everything under her feet—including outside. The Queen tried to reason with her husband, to let their daughter explore the world, but he sternly shook his head, counteracting that it'll be foolish to let their daughter go out to the world where she can easily be killed by the simplest of cold winds or a splash of water. The queen wishes, at some point during the day, that her daughter was born healthy but it is unwise to wish for something for then the future can be changed dramatically. The queen, too, suffers from a weak body but by now, in her adult years, the chances of her dropping dead are very slim, a contrast to her daughters. But, even though her husband did let her walk around the castle barefooted after much begging and puppy looks, he did not allow her and Hinata to venture beyond the brick walls protecting the castle. And sadly, the Queen was afraid Hinata would never be able to go beyond the walls.

Something tickled the memories of the Queen when she thought of her and her daughter's health. A blurred image, a forgotten past, and she quickly touched her forehead, concerned over the small headache. The Queen frowned. Something felt like it was missing. Something from her past that she couldn't quite grasp. She shook her head. She will ponder on that later on.

"Hina-chan, maybe someday you will," answered the queen slowly and hesitantly.

The young girl nodded and followed her mother after they resumed their walking. The Queen stopped in front of double doors and opened it quickly. She smiled and showed her daughter the way in. Hinata looked around and was fascinated by the many books. Who knew they had a library?

"Hinata, come over here please." The young girl nodded and ran her way to her mother's side. Her mother smiled at the wide-eyed girl and took out a book from a shelf. She grabbed the young girl's hand and pulled her to a sofa in the middle of the large room. They both sat down and the mother opened the book. "Hinata, listen carefully. This is your exit to this castle. With this, you would travel around the world and be what you want to be. This is the key to your freedom and don't you ever forget it for a book is a man's best friend. They show you lessons through grand tales and they speak of tragedies through the eyes of a princess from a faraway land. And not only that, my child, but they show you worlds unimaginable, even worlds not existent here on Earth." Hinata was practically jumping on her seat, eager to read.

But then she stilled, one problem arising. "Ano, kaa-chan…I c-c-c-can't…"

The Queen smiled and scooted closer to her daughter till their hips touched. "Hinata, you will never learn unless you take the first step. Now, let us begin. Once upon a time…" And so for the rest of the afternoon and the touching of the night, both daughter and mother sat in the room of the library. Book after book they read, adventure after adventure they traveled together. They fought monsters with seven arms and thousands of eyes then they ventured off to the darkest of caves and discovered a treasure beyond imagination. Then Hinata became the Queen of a faraway land while Hyuuga-sama became a courageous warrior trying to save the Queen of an assassination. The room was full of laughter and warmth, a bonding that no one can break.

A knock echoed throughout the room. The Queen simply looked up while Hinata jumped high. The Queen giggled, a hand covering her beautiful painted lips, before looking at the door.

"You may come in," called out the Queen.

A servant poked her head inside. "Natsu-sama, Hiashi-sama requests your presence within his chambers."

Natsu sighed and looked down at Hinata who had a pout on her face. "Ne, my hime, I have a challenge for you." Hinata perked up. Natsu smiled and stood from the couch. She gracefully made her way to one of the shelves and took a book. She made her away back and gave the book to Hinata with a bow. "Hina-chan, your challenge is to read this book."

Hinata hesitantly took the book and whispered, "But, kaa-chan, I-I c-c-can't…"

Natsu smiled and kissed Hinata's forehead. "You will learn if you want to, my sunshine. Learn to escape from here and then, perhaps, you too will take flight towards the horizon." Natsu straightened and walked towards the door. "Arigatou, Shurui-san, you may go." Shurui smiled and bowed.

Hinata looked on with her big eyes full of innocence and wonder. She looked down at the book on her hand. She smiled and opened the cover; the first thing catching her attention was a picture of a fox. She traced the fox's smile and tails. She will learn to read, no matter what, so she can escape.

Hinata yawned and stretched, her arms coming out from the covers of her bed. She opened one eye and lazily dragged its way to her window, seeing that the sun was high in the sky. She opened the other quickly and sat up. She jumped off her bed and made her way to the bathroom, which was consequently on the other side of the hallway. She opened her door slowly and closed it quickly, not wanting to waste time. She walked slowly, trying her best to look elegant and as a princess of her kingdom, despite wearing her nightgown and her bed hair pointing in all directions. While walking her way to the bathroom, she greeted many of the servants and butlers, bowing to each and every one despite her status as princess. They returned the greeting with equal enthusiasm and happiness. Each and every one loved the princess who treated them as family and they never forgotten that little detail. Just like their Queen, they would say and sigh, remembering her gentle and kind gestures.

Hinata smiled at the last butler that passed her before opening the last door of the hallway. She closed it quickly and sighed, not seeing her sister or mother. She quickly took off her nightgown and smiled, making a mental note to say thanks to Kurin-san for warming up her bath. The room was large, enough to fit ten people in. The tiles were white and there were five individual stalls with small stools accompanying them. She quickly sat down and filled the wooden bucket with water. She washed her delicate sixteen year old body with a sponge filled with flowery scented soap. She rubbed before dumping the water on her body. She looked warily about; making sure her sister wasn't around. It was eight in the morning, a non-acceptable time for a princess to be barley waking up. Hinata knew that if she was discovered by her sister, the little devil would surely probe on why her onee-chan stood up late, again. Hinata quickly made her way to the tub of warm water and she ungracefully dumped her body in. She sighed and closed her eyes, remembering last night's story.

This time the book she chose was full of dragons and goblins. But there was also a romance. The princess, the damsel and distress, was being guarded by an army of trolls and goblins whose weapons consisted of the sharpest swords and flame throwers. A brave knight charged forward, with the help of wizards and witches. At the end, as other cliché stories, the knight took the hand of the princess and requested the king to marry her, falling in love with the damsel ever since he first saw her and vice versa: and they lived happily ever after.

Hinata sighed and her hands came out from under the water. She stretched out her hand and imagined that a handsome prince took it, kissing her knuckles while she blushed prettily. "Would you marry me, Hinata-hime?" "Hai…" Hinata answered dreamily, her eyes half-lidded. Oh how she wished for her own prince to come rescue her. Then, they'll fall in love at first sight, like the many princesses she's read about. At the end, they'll live happily ever—

"Oi, Hinata!" Hinata screeched and jumped out of the tub. She hit the tile floor hard and water gushed out, making the floor slippery. Hinata sat up and whined, one of her pale hands coming up to massage the back of her head. She opened her eyes and shrieked when she saw Hanabi staring at her.

"Why are you taking a bath now? Don't you know it's late? Do you even know what time it is? Oh, otou-san is going to be so mad!" Hanabi smiled and looked like she was about to walk out, her lavender eyes glinting with mischief.

"W-Wait!" cried out Hinata, her hand outstretched. "A-Ano, I'll give you my desert for a whole week if you w-won't tell otou-sama what happened." Hanabi blinked.

"Well? Is that all you're going to offer?"

Hinata frowned. This was the exact reason why she tried to avoid her imouto. That devious little child knew what to do in order to get something her way. "Ano, what about for a month?"

Hanabi placed a hand on her hip.

"T-Two months…?"

A cocked eyebrow.

"F-Fine, a year."

"Ah, now we're talking onee-chan!" Hanabi smiled and patted her older sister on her head. She then smirked and squatted down on the still drench princess. She quickly grabbed her sister's oversized breasts and exclaimed, "Wow, onee-chan, who knew you had such large breasts!" She squeezed them.

"H-HANABI!"

Hinata sighed and hugged her towel tighter around herself. She sat down on her bed, her wet inky blue black hair tickling her skin. Hinata looked up to see her box of treasures tucked underneath her wardrobe. With a small smile, she crawled over to the simple looking cardboard box. She opened the flaps and took out a worn out light purple blanket. She smiled, distant laughter echoed in her head and flashes when she was a child appeared in her mind, playing like a projector. She placed the blanket back and took out a photo, her fingertips tracing over everyone's figure. The last item in the small box caught her attention, as it always did when she looked over the items in the small container. She dropped her photo gently and picked up the necklace with delicate hands. She doesn't quite remember who gave her the necklace but her mother said that it was wrapped around her blanket when she was little. She traced the pendant, a circle with a fire ball in the middle. She placed the necklace back in the box and closed the flaps. While putting back her little box, she wondered why she never wore the piece of jewelry and for some odd reason, she had no desire to. Even though she treasured it, the idea of wearing it seemed…absurd. Why can't she wear the necklace?

Hinata changed into a white with purple flowers dress with black sleeves and her slippers were silky white. She hummed happily and the little hop on her step indicated to anyone that she was making her way to her favorite spot: the library. Over the years, Hinata learned to read due to the determination to accomplish her challenge. Once Hinata had the reading down, she began to devour the worlds of one book then another and another. She stood up many nights reading and reading, never once letting down her book. And once she finished one, many servants saw her reading another. Hinata was just fascinated about the little books. It was marvelous how they could take just about anyone to many places around the world. The words can demolish the current place one was occupying and replace it with a battlefield or a dungeon.

Hinata opened the door and quickly closed it. She made her way to the stair case on the left side. She climbed many steps before reaching a shelf. She swiftly took out a book and immediately began to read it. Oh, how fascinating! This one was about a witch's potion! Suddenly, the whole room shook and Hinata toppled over, landing on her bottom. She winced and massaged the sore muscle before standing up. This was the reason why she tried to arrive early. Despite being of high class, the castle still had some fixing to do (fixing, meaning that her father didn't wish to spend much money on the old pipes because it was a waste and it was better that the money was invested into something more useful). As if the old pipes in this castle wasn't important. Of course they were! And now because of his oh so wise decision, all the occupants of this old castle were to suffer the occasional tremor that those old pipes gave out.

Hinata shook her head and giggled at her father's decision before standing up. She looked around to make sure any books weren't dropped and to her dismay one was lying on the floor. She sighed and placed her book on the shelf before walking over to pick up the book. She heaved slightly and used both hands to carry it. Who knew it was heavy? Interested now, Hinata fingered the case. It was made of old brown leather and she looked at the pages from the side. She can tell it's quite ancient because it was yellow and perhaps fragile. Curious, she sat down against the shelves and opened the book. A dust all but flew into her face and she coughed up a storm. She scrunched up her face and looked at the first page. Her eyes widened and she said the title out loud, "The Outline of the Hyuuga Castle." Hinata immediately scanned the pages, interested about her house.

There were notes on the sidelines about where to place certain things. There were multiple blueprints about the garden, the ballroom, the rooms, etc. Then it'll go into detail about what's within each wing. Hinata read each and every note, took mental notes about possible escape routes, and was amazed at the complicity of it. She turned another page and was surprised about the title. "The South Wing" it said. But that was odd because her father had shown every inch of this castle to her; he even made her memorize every single spec. So it was odd that there was, in fact, a south wing. Hinata, however, did not notice how easily the papers slipped from the book, loose they were but the young naïve child was too intrigued into the book. Hinata, with wide eyes, saw the entrance of the wing. It was blocked by what seemed as a large door, curving from the top but had sharp edges at the bottom. She glanced at the side notes and was perplexed by the change of calligraphy. While the others were more neat and well written, this one looked scratched up, just lines and a few wiggles. Hinata squinted and tried her best to read the words.

"…door has…ano, engraving…? O-of a…rose…? Ano…made from the trees of the forest." Hinata stopped, puzzled about that one sentence. Why would her father, someone who wasted millions of dollars for door handles, let a door be built from wood of the forest? It made no sense. Hinata shook her head and turned to the next page. It was a complete sketch on how the door was to be seen. A large tree was engraved on it and its leaves touch the top of the door. Its roots spread out at the bottom and what seemed like petals floated downwards. Little details made the sketch more realistic and Hinata has never seen such magnificent texture. She traced the picture and wondered how the real door looked like. Her head snapped up and she immediately scrambled to her feet. If this book was the outline of her castle then surely this south wing was here! She raced down the stairs and opened the doors wide.

But, to her dismay, Hinata crashed into someone. "O-Oh, sumimasen!" cried out Hinata, her long inky blue purple hair covering her face. She grabbed the book and turned to see who the person she bumped into was. Hinata gasped when she saw her mother rubbing her head. "O-Oh, kaa-chan, a-are you okay?!" Hinata dropped her book and picked up her mother.

"Oh, Hina-chan, it's just you. I'm fine, dear. Just a little collisional, is all." Natsu straightened her elegant purple kimono and smiled at Hinata, who looked like a nervous wreck. "Hina-chan, you must get ready. Diplomats from another kingdom are coming their way. A grand feast is to be held tonight at the ballroom, so remember to use your kimono." Hinata nodded and excused herself. Her mother quirked an eyebrow and said to the retreating Hinata, "Hinata, what do you carry there?"

Hinata stopped and turned slowly. She smiled and showed her mother the book. "I-It's a book showing the structure of the castle, kaa-chan."

Natsu immediately frowned and what seemed as curiosity sparkled in her eyes before it quickly vanished. Natsu nodded and walked away.

Hinata sighed. It seemed that the south wing would have to wait.

Hinata did not like parties much. She was to wear a kimono, tight showing off her body in case of potential candidates, and plenty of makeup (she felt heavy underneath the fake beauty and the kimono barely let her moved). She was to wear a traditional Hyuuga bun (it was so tight it felt like someone was stretching the skin of her face backwards) with the traditional Hyuuga flower pin embedded on her hair (it felt like someone was stabbing her skull). But Hinata was use to this get up since she was small and in order to survive the excruciating pain, she placed herself somewhere away from the ballroom. Somewhere far away, like in her books. Perhaps today she'll place herself in…a tower! Yes, a tall brick tower and fire was circling around from the bottom. She could hear the clashes of a battle and Hinata was prepared with her sword on one hand and her shield on the other. The door was knocked down by a group of men. They all charged at her and she gracefully moved between them, her sword slicing her enemies easily. She looked back to see—

"Hinata," called out her father. She blinked and turned to the side. She blinked owlishly and inclined her head. "There's a…" Hiashi looked at the entrance of the ballroom. Hinata looked at his direction and saw what made her father call out to her. There stood a handsome man and quite frankly was staring right at her. Hinata blushed and looked at the floor.

"A-Ano…"

"I think it'll be best if you go up to him and say something, Hinata," said her father, his eyes looking at his daughter with sternness.

"Oh, Hiashi-kun, do you remember our times when we were young?" Remarkably, Hiashi blushed and stuttered out nonsense. "I remember when we were just fourteen and you took me out to the garden in your castle. You took my hand and then—"

"Natsu," Hiashi said sternly, hinting on her to stop.

"Nani? Is there a problem, Hiashi-kun?" Natsu batted her eyelashes and looked at him with a puppy look.

"Well, I believe that we shouldn't discuss this in front of so many—"

"Do you remember our first kiss, Hiashi-kun?"

"Natsu, don't you dare—"

"Listen my children, your father took me to a drawing room and…" Hinata managed to escape the ballroom and she silently thanked her brilliant mother. She walked with excitement towards her room, her steps as light as a ghost. Her eyes darted around the hallway before opening her door. She immediately shredded off her kimono and took off the flower pins, which was holding up the bun. Her hair fell, a wave of midnight blue underneath the moons light, and Hinata smiled blissfully, massaging her skull while walking towards her wardrobe. She took out a simple white strap dress that reached her knees and she quickly put it on before reaching over to the large book. She was about to grab her slippers before hesitating. 'No one is watching,' she thought, walking out of her room, barefooted. 'No one would have to know…' She smiled widely before reaching the end of the hallway. The sound of skin slapping against marble floor echoed in the empty long hallways and Hinata loved it. The feeling of the coldness spiking underneath her feet made her feel free, made her feel that she can do absolutely anything.

She opened another door and reached the middle of the castle. Hinata gave herself a minute to admire the true beauty of her home. It was an extremely large room, the middle naked while the furniture leaned against the walls, seeming tired from just standing in the isolated and large room all day. The marbles were painted with a rich light caramel color while the crystal white chandelier hung from the ceiling. In each wall was one door leading to the north, west, or east wing. Now, this is where it got complicated. Hinata specifically remembered this room because in one wall there wasn't a door, like the others, but a window giving the sun or moon light an opportunity to bathe the room. She would always go on her tippy toes and let her fingertips run over the warm glass, imagining that one day she would be able to feel the grass underneath her and climb the Rocky Mountains.

Hinata looked to where the window was supposed to be but to her surprise, she sees a door leading to the south of the castle. She looked at the simple wooden door, cocking her head to the side. Weird, she thought while walking over to it, there was never a door here. She touched the door slowly, feeling the wooden texture underneath her fingertips, amazed that there was a door. She opened the book quickly and turned the door knob. She entered and closed the door behind her, the resounding click bouncing off the walls.

"Ah, was it this turn or was it the other…?" Hinata stopped, beyond confused now. She stood still in the middle of a dark hallway, a few lit lanterns flickering off and on making the barely dim room give off an aura of horror. Her hands shook, her thoughts kicking in. What if she got lost? No one knows where the south wing laid and, to be precise, no one knows that she actually left the ballroom. Usually the parties that her father host ends pass midnight and sadly, she believes, the day has barely turned night. Fear gripped her weak heart and the only thing she could hear was the thundering of her heartbeat. Under the influence of fear, Hinata turned the pages quickly, trying to find a way out. Her eyes lit when a map of a hallway appeared. She began to walk forward and read the few instructions written off to the side. She squinted, the handwriting getting harder to read. If she didn't know any better, she thought that a commoner perhaps wrote this. Its calligraphy was mere scribbles, the strokes overlapping with one another. Excuse her French, but why would a commoner make blueprints of the castle? Wouldn't it be the builder's responsibility to map out the structure of the castle?

Hinata shook her head and made a left turn. Suddenly, it grew eerily quiet. It was quiet before, yes, but it seemed as if the hush wind was silenced by an invisible force and the moaning of her house was taken off its misery. She darted her eyes around and squinted when she was a shape at the end of the hallway. Candles were placed on each side of the walls, its wax dripping and landing on the floor. Its light flickering and Hinata was dearly afraid that its warmth would vanish. She reached the end of her journey and gasped, the book slipping from her numb fingers.

With awe shining in her eyes, Hinata stepped forward. She lightly placed her pale hand against the wooden large door. Her fingertips began to trace the carving of a tree. Hinata was fascinated by the amazing texture. Underneath her skin she felt the roughness of the authentic tree bark and small little splinters scratching her skin. She paid no mind to the small little stabs and instead her eyes roamed up towards the tree's branches. Its leaves were fluffed, reaching the ceiling, and what looked like cherry blossoms were descending down. Her hand instinctively reached to touch the blossoms and her eyes bore into the door. Truly, this was a masterpiece created by the hands of a great architect. She took a step back and her heel touched the worn out book. She glanced behind her and picked it up, cradling the book close to her chest. Her eyes danced around the door and it landed on the rusty handle. Her palm rested on it and twisted it slightly, the door creaking.

It swung open and Hinata marveled at the setting disposed before her. The room was lit in a beautiful color of yellow and orange, the candles illuminating every inch of the room. In the middle was a door, two stair cases on each side leading to a second floor. Her mouth dropped slightly when she saw shelves upon shelves of books. Was this another library? She placed the heavy book on a nearby table and her feet carried her to the stairs. She reached the top and her hands reached for a book, however, she stopped when she read the spine of it. It was a language unknown to her. It wasn't Japanese and as far as she can tell, it wasn't English either. She quirked an eyebrow and noticed all the other books were the same. Some of the calligraphy was different but the language certainly wasn't Japanese. She gave out a disappointed sigh and descended down the stairs.

The second thing that caught her attention was the door in the middle of the room. Her steps quickened and she reached the door in a manner of seconds. Her eyes softened and her fingertips touched the craving on the door. It was a craving of a fox, its snout pulled back slightly showing off its fangs. Its eyes were narrowed; its pupil dilated as if it was watching its prey. However, what made her raise an eyebrow was the nine tails swaying behind the magnificent animal. 'Nine tails?' thought Hinata, her hand tracing the outline. 'How beautiful…' She twisted the wooden handle and a breeze of what smelled like old, worn out books invaded her nostrils.

Once again, the south wing surprised Hinata. The room was small and shaped like a circle, shelves surrounding every direction Hinata turned to. The books were covered with dust and the smell made her sneeze loudly. This time she noticed that these books were written in Japanese and she gave a small smile in appreciation. Finally, something to read! She grabbed a random book and opened it, reading the title out loud.

"How to Summon a Kitsune," Hinata whispered, quirking an eyebrow. A demon fox? Now here's a story she's never read before! Sure, she's read about trolls, dragons, and monsters with eleven arms and hundred eyes but never had she read about demons. It intrigued her and she turned the page, excited to start her new adventure.

"A kitsune, as any Japanese person knows, is a demon fox. There are many mystery's revolving around the supernatural kind and one main fact that stands out from the rest is the clans. The kitsune clans are segregated depending on the power they wield within their body. But there was one clan that overruled the rest, The Kurama Clan. Their immense power was rivaled with the gods and feared amongst everyone they crossed paths with. However, there came a new threat and the elders quickly scrambled for a solution. They reached out for the humans and came to an agreement. The humans will exterminate this new threat and the Kurama Clan will lend them their power—more specifically, they themselves will become their weapons. A summoning contract was ensued and the power of the kitsune became known in Earth." Hinata turned the page. "To summon a kitsune is fairly simple but one must be warned. They are fearless monsters that will destroy anything in their path. Be careful when contacting a fox demon, they might betray you with their claws and fangs. Wield them and control them. Make them your weapon and become the warrior you always wanted to be."

Hinata fingered the edges of the paper and wondered what kind of folklore this was. This book was obviously really old but how old exactly? Kitsune aren't heard much anymore in Japan, much less any kind of Japanese supernatural beings so why would the Hyuuga castle house a book as such? She shrugged. There's no harm in reading it then, right?

"Now, to summon a kitsune say these words:

O, beings as gods

Beauty as Earth

Hear my prayer

Hear my plea

Lend me thy power

And make me a king." Hinata paused and glanced around, the grip on the book tightened. Her eyes glanced around the room to see if anything was misplaced or that anything was summoned but her hope was crushed. She sighed and closed the book.

Suddenly the room shook and roared like the sound of a furious lion. The books tumbled off their respected shelf and the door jumped up and down. The candles fire flickered off but their warmth returned as quickly as they disappeared. A harsh wind blew and Hinata screamed when a loud sound echoed within the room. A weak tornado began to form, the wind picking up loose papers and some light books. Hinata watched on with fascination with a twinge of fear. A figure emerged from the tornado and Hinata tumbled onto the door. Her hand reached for the handle and quickly turned it, scrambling out of the room. The figure followed her. Hinata reached for the main door and to her dismay, the handle didn't turn. She turned quickly and the figure stood a few feet away from her.

The figure went on one knee and bowed.

"You summoned me, hime-sama," said the figure, their voice deep and rumbling.

Hinata gasped and placed her bent index finger on her bottom lip. "H-Hime-sama…?"

"Hai, you have summoned me so now I am under your wing." The figure kept his head bowed, his blond hair obscuring her view form his face.

Hinata couldn't believe her eyes or ears. She actually summoned a kitsune! No, this couldn't be! A kitsune was just a Japanese old folklore and non-existent. It wasn't supposed to be real! But here was a man who coincidentally appeared after she said those magical words in the middle of the room. She let her eyes take in his figure and her body tensed. He was wearing a black kimono, his hakama (the skirt/long pants of a kimono) a light gray color. A katana was strapped on his hip, the saya a light gray. His tan skin wore battle scars, however little they may be, and his blond hair reached his shoulders, the top spiked up. On both sides of his cheeks, he appeared to have three whisker marks. How odd. But the most awed detail about the person was, in fact, his yellow fox ears and tail flickering every once in a while.

His body tensed when Hinata approached. Her fingers lightly touched his shoulders and she gasped.

"You are real!" she squealed, jumping a few feet back. "I-I-I didn't th-think this would work b-b-but it did and I-I don't know what to do now a-and—"

"Wait, wait, wait," the man said, standing up. "You didn't know this was a summoning contract?"

"No, well, i-it said it was b-but I thought it'll be a-a story but it wasn't and now—"

"Wait," the person crossed their arms, "you summoned me for no reason, at all."

Hinata nodded.

"You do know what you just did, right?"

Hinata's eyes widened and she shook her head rapidly.

The person sighed and massaged his temples, his eyes screwed shut. "Damn it. The moment you said those 'magical words', as you phrased it, meant that I am, starting from now till you feel like breaking off the contract, your personal kitsune. You are my master and I am your obedient servant," he mockingly bowed, "that does your every whim and follows you everywhere." His blue eyes landed on her widened light lavender ones. "Get it, hime-sama?"

Hinata was speechless. Her soul decided in that moment to leave her body. So, like in every other stressful situation Hinata was thrust upon, she fainted.

Hinata felt at peace, her body slumped against something warm and comfortable. She yawned and her hands covered her mouth. What time was it? The last thing she remembered was ditching her father's party and searching for the south wing. Then she stumbled upon a room where she read a book about summoning…summoning what?

Her eyes snapped open and she sat up, her head swimming in a headache. She looked around and realized that she was in her room. Wasn't she in the south wing? Her eyes landed on a figure that was sitting on the edge of her bed, his blue eyes gazing at her. She squealed and pressed her back against her headboard. Her eyes never left the young man's gaze and heat rushed up to her cheeks. No male has ever stepped foot into her room, much less her otou-sama, but this male kitsune, that she rarely knows, made himself comfortable in her private headquarters. Oh, how scandalizing!

"H-H-H-H-"

"Okay, stop right there please because I have no idea what you're trying to say and its pissing me off." The male stood up and walked around Hinata's room, not noticing her down cast eyes. "You have a nice room, though. I'm guessing you're a princess from a well-heard kingdom, yes?" She nodded, her wide eyes following his every move. "Hm, well no wonder really. You have nice silk for bed sheets; the bed was made with expensive cotton; and look at the size of this wardrobe! I bet you have expensive clothing in there, ne?" The male reached for the doors but Hinata screamed.

"Y-You can't look through a w-w-woman's wardrobe!"

The male smirked before moving away. "I used to live like this too…"

"Ano, wh-what do you me—"

"Anyway, what's your name, hime-sama?" The male turned from the window and looked at Hinata, watching her every move. "Or do you want me to keep calling you 'hime-sama'?"

Hinata shook her head. She unsteadily stood up and her fingers massaged her head. "M-My name is Hyuuga Hinata." She bowed, as practice ever since she was little, and after a while stood up once more. The stranger's face was a mixture of shook, surprise, and a bit of bewilderment.

"Ano…" Hinata played with her fingers and glanced up at the male before looking down. "W-What's your name?"

The stranger's stance tensed and his finger's neared the tsuka (hilt) of his katana. His blue eyes narrowed before darting around Hinata's room. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

Hinata's eyebrows furrowed, confusion swimming in her eyes. "W-Why wouldn't I be?"

He glared, his palm now resting on the orange tsuka-ito (wrappings around the tsuka). "This isn't a trap?"

Hinata gasped and glanced around her room. "D-Do you think someone planted a trap i-in here? Are we safe?"

He relaxed his stance, his blue eyes taking in her scared and confused form before moving his hand away from his katana. "No. I don't smell or hear anything unusual. The names Uzumaki Naruto, Hinata-sama."

Hinata blushed prettily and ducked her head, her fisted hands resting on her hammering chest. This was the first time she has ever made introductions with a male that wasn't a candidate for her hand. To put it in simplest terms, Uzumaki-san might be her very first friend. And she was excited, yes, because every heroine has a best friend they can rely on and she hopes with all her heart and soul that Uzumaki-san might be the one. Even though he was summoned to be a servant, Hinata can't find it in her heart to treat him as so. It's not only with him but with everyone within these castle walls. It just doesn't sit right with her.

"Ano, you don't have to use that honorific…"

Naruto snorted and unstrapped his katana, placing it on Hinata's bed with delicacy. Her eyes never left the weapon. "Well, I need to because you're in a higher position than me."

Hinata's eyes left the katana and instead focused on the serious Naruto who sat on the edge of her bed. "Well, if you want…we c-can b-b-be…" she mumbled the last part.

"Excuse me? I didn't hear that last part." Naruto cupped his ear and grinned when he saw her blushing. She was just so fun to tease.

"W-We can be friends!" She blushed and covered her face.

Naruto laughed boisterously and landed on the floor with a puff. His tail swished back and forth and his ears twitched from the loud noise. It wasn't that he was laughing at her but the fact that this little human was different from the ones he heard about back home. He imagined them to be a fine specimen of the true definition of a man. Six foot tall, like the giants back at his home, with battle scars littering their muscular body. They'll have ragged beards or missing eyes or teeth, to show how much they don't give a damn how they look. Naruto imagined that the moment he would be summoned, it'll be to slay their enemies and cut down on anyone that crosses his path. However, his katana has yet to taste blood or take away any lives. And, he finds it quite hilarious and amusing, that perhaps this little female summoned him to form a friendship! Now that's a joke that'll keep him laughing for the rest of his life.

Naruto wiped a tear and sighed, his stomach tight from the laughing that escaped his lips. He stood up and stared right at her eyes. He might as well give it a shot. There's no harm, is there?

"Sure."

Hinata's eyes widened and her hands lowered. "A-Are you sure?"

Naruto walked to the window, moving the curtain aside, and glanced outside to see it nearing two o' clock. "Hai, I'm sure."

Hinata giggled but quickly sealed her lips when Naruto glanced at her, an amused smirk playing on his lips. He was still cautious of her, yes, but now the possibility of being used as a weapon, or worse killed, has decreased significantly. The only thing that came to mind was assassination targeting the kind princess—Naruto frowned—and even then, and he was sure of it, the princess was probably highly guarded. But even so, he'll be at the utmost alert and make sure no harm came to this very nice female. He secretly stole a look at her before glancing at the moon. She was staring at his katana as if it was one of the seventh wonders of the world and he couldn't help but chuckle. She was cute without trying to be.

"Oi, Hinata-sama, do you want to hold my deadly katana?" he asked. He walked leisurely to her, his hand gripping his weapon before unsheathing it. The blade glistened underneath the moon's light and Hinata couldn't help but gasp at its deadly beauty. She quickly stood up and went to the candles that were scattered around her room and lit them with the matches that sat nearby. She returned with a light skip on her step and her eyes darted from the weapon to the owner. Naruto grinned and gently guided her hand to the tsuka. Her eyes widened when his hand enveloped her own and a small warmth envaded her body. But her focus returned when he gripped his hand, making her grip the handle. His eyes danced with concealed happiness and he slowly pulled his hand back. She released a breathe she didn't know she was holding in and shakily brought her other hand on the tsuka. The katana was heavy, something that never crossed her mind, and she wondered how Naruto handled the katana with just one hand. It was deadly, the nagasa (the blade length) was a rich blue-gray color made from the finest steel, she noted, with its kissaki (the tip) a sharp point. She walked around the room, both hands on the tsuka, and imagined herself a fearless warrior, one without any diseases to hinder her, who traveled around the world slicing down her enemies with just her katana by her side. She smiled slightly and for a moment she felt more than a princess.

Naruto watched with amusement swimming in his eyes as Hinata walked around the room, her hands gripping the tsuka as if it was a lifeline, and how she would try to do some "incredible moves" but it came out looking rather stiff and disorientated. He stopped the chuckle that died to escape his lips by biting his bottom lip.

Having seen enough, he quietly stalked behind her and whispered in her ear, "I think that's enough, Hinata-sama." What he didn't expect, however, was the reflexes she had. She swung the katana and he quickly caught the nagasa with his hand before it sliced his head off, the blade cutting into his skin. Blood dripped from the open wound and Hinata gasped, dropping the weapon.

Tears leaked out and she sobbed. She hurt her friend.

"Oi, oi, oi, don't cry. It was just an accident." Naruto shrugged as if the cut on his hand was nothing.

"I-Iie, it wasn't. I-I was dumb to fiddle with something a-as dangerous as a katana. A-And now you are i-injured. I understand if you no longer wish to be my friend…" Hinata sniffled and backed away from the frozen kitsune. Her back hit the wall and she curled into herself. She was an introvert and rarely opened up to anyone. Friends were limited within these castle walls and the only ones she sees as true friends are her kaa-chan and imouto. It was common law that hurting a friend ruined the bond shared between the two. How can one forgive another for hurting their palm?

"Hey…" It was a soft reassurance and soon after, a warm hand cupped her chin. Her chin was pulled up and her eyes stared at soft, blue eyes that gazed right at her. Her lower lip quivered and Naruto ran his thumb over the warm, red lip. It hurt his soul watching her retrieve into the shell she probably had since she was a child. He took her proposition seriously, when she asked to become friends, and he was more than welcome to add another friend on his very long, empty list. He had friends—he squeezed his eyes shut and his fingers tightened around her chin before losing its friction—and it's been lonely lately, so why not? Humans, he thought, were a strange species but this Hinata was an exception. His chest tightened when saw the hurt in her eyes and the warm tears that rolled down her rosy cheeks. No one, in a long time, has cared for him so deeply that pain in a form of tears leaked out of their eyes. She was obviously hurting from the inside and his mind scrambled to help her ease the pain. "Look, see my hand." He raised the supposedly injured palm and Hinata's eyes widened when she saw no wound or scar. "I heal quickly so really no worry. It's my fault. I should have put on my gloves before handing you the katana." He chuckled quietly, a deep rumble that sent Hinata's insides into turmoil, and took a step back, letting the princess breathe in some air. "A rookie mistake on my part so can we still be friends?" He took out his hand and waited with baited breath for her response, even though he had a strong idea on to what it'll be.

Hinata glanced at his hands before looking at his smiling face, a smile that threatened to split his face in half. She smiled widely and gripped his hand; her eyes watering from overjoy happiness. "H-Hai!"

Naruto grinned cheekily before bending down to grab his katana. He sheathed it back into his saya and strapped it back onto his hip. He glanced around the room before his eyes landed on a blushing Hinata.

"So where am I crashing?"

There was a long pregnant silence.

"E-Excuse me?"

"Yeah, well, when the contract was made many decades ago, the kitsune and humans came to an agreement of a series of rules. One of the rules was for the summoned kitsune to stay by the side of the person who summoned them, in this case you. So it means I can't go back to my world." Naruto raised an eyebrow, waiting to see if she now caught his drift.

Hinata cocked her head. In the back of her mind, she immediately caught on but she denied what she was hearing.

Naruto sighed and a dust of pink appeared on his cheeks. He scratched his neck and said, "It means I'm going to have to sleep in here with you."

"Oh." Hinata nodded. That is, before she fainted.

The ball has ended past one o' clock and the Hyuuga family escorted the many guests out to the front yard. Natsu sighed after the last party guest has left. Hanabi, at some point, has retreated back to her room with a yawn drawing out of her lips. The only ones that now stood awake were Natsu, Hiashi, and the many servants hired. The maids bristled about, cleaning after the remains the aristocrats, and the butlers made sure to place everything back the way it was. As she passed the many workers, Natsu made sure to greet every one of them and ask if their night has fared well. Many of them looked at the matriarch of the Hyuuga with awe in their eyes and quickly scrambled for an answer when they noticed the lack of silence that filled the room. Natsu would smile softly. Was it really a big surprise that she greeted every one of her family? Certainly not!

She reached the end of the ballroom and opened the double doors. She made her way through the endless halls that she memorized since she was younger and reached a set of doors made from pine wood. She knocked softly before opening the door. She was still dressed in her formal kimono but she made sure to take off the painful pins that stabbed her delicate skull. Her midnight wavy hair cascaded down till it reached the back of her knees. She placed the hair pins on a nearby table and watched with a small smile on her lips as Hiashi glanced up, a ghost of a smile displayed upon his face, before looking down at his scattered paperwork. He discarded his formal kimono at some point and instead wore a loose black yukata. She walked around the room before her eyes landed on a teapot with a set of tea cups and a tray beside it. With delicacy that a Queen possess, she went on her knees and poured the warm tea (that surely the maids left a few minutes ago) into the white cups. She stood up once more and cradled a cup, walking to her ever so busy husband. She quietly placed the cup on his desk before retrieving her own. She sat across from him and waited—patient as ever—for her husband to acknowledge her. She blew her warm tea, its puffs of seasoning and relaxing smell reaching her nose, and took a small sip, its warm liquid going down her sore throat from all the talking she made diplomatically tonight.

She wasn't the average trophy Queen as heard from around the world. From the moment Hiashi proposed to her, she deadpanned that she had no desire to be seen as a delicate doll and would rather like to be her husband's right hand man when his time came to rule their kingdom. At first Hiashi was hesitant. It wasn't heard that women ruled the throne or helped their husbands with the diplomatic field. But Natsu was different and it was one of the many traits Hiashi fell for. She was shy and kind-hearted, her heart made from the purest soul, but she was head-strong and stubborn, at times playful, and incredibly smart. If she wasn't born a woman, maybe she could've become a tactic general of the sort and be known throughout Japan as a smart warrior, defeating her enemies with just her brain. But sadly destiny was a cruel thing and she was born a beautiful woman. However, Hiashi wasn't one to dismiss this important quality. Even though the Hyuuga raised them both with traditionalist ideas, they overpassed with their own point of views and it was perhaps the wisest decision King Hiashi has ever made, ever more so than the generation before him. So when Hiashi said yes, he accepted her terms, he didn't know he just gained a strong diplomatic wife on his side.

He didn't regret his decision, he recalled now while sipping his warm tea, and as he glanced at his wife, he was truly grateful to Kami-sama for bestowing such a gift to him. However, she was never in the best condition. He frowned and suddenly the tea left a bitter taste in his mouth. Natsu had a weak immune system and any disease—from the simplest of coughs to the slightest of winds—can be her downfall. There was a time where she was nearly taken from him but that was a time Hiashi wished to forget. And forget he did. It was also some kind of curse that his beloved daughter, Hinata, was born with such weak traits.

He sighed and placed his cup down. Natsu perked up on her husband's sad sigh and she, too, placed her cup down. Hiashi stood up and made his way around the low table. He went to a wardrobe and grabbed a spare blanket. Natsu smiled wistfully and accepted the additional warmth her husband had gratefully retrieved for her. He draped the warm wool around her shoulders before resuming his prior position. He sat with his shins facing the floor and he picked up his tea once more. He sipped and sighed, the exact same time Natsu exhaled, and placed the tea cup down.

"Natsu, is there something you wish to discuss?"

Natsu smiled and placed the cup on the table, hugging the blanket closer to her. She blushed and said, "Hai, Hiashi, how was tonight? Did any diplomat trouble you?" She smiled and Hiashi lost himself for a moment.

"No, however, the foreign ambassador of Kusagakure no Sato had a keen interest in you, koi."

Natsu hummed and resumed drinking her tea. "Did he now?"

Hiashi nodded a grim look on his face. "However, I did tell him you were not seeking any other husbands as of now."

Natsu allowed a small giggle to pass her lips, a smile descending upon her. "Hai, I rather like my otto (husband)." Natsu smiled when Hiashi smiled.

The room was now in a more comfortable and warm atmosphere. Hiashi asked how her day was and how her diplomatic quest went during the party. The chatter didn't light up after two hours of non-stop talking. This was a time where both husband and wife can let go of their roles as King and Queen. Here, behind the wooden door and encased between four walls, they can let loose what they had bottled up inside them since the morning. A mask that was worn throughout the day cracked when they meet at the wee hours of the morning. It was a luxury to talk so freely with the one you love without the watchful eyes of the maids and butlers and out of hearing range from the elders, waiting to jump on any opportunity if they so much show more than a simple kiss on the lips. Both Hyuuga's were reserved in their own right but give them a bit of closure and they'll open up to each other like old friends who have known one another for centuries.

Hiashi noted with dismay how Natsu quivered. The blanket wasn't helping. Without a second thought, he reached her side and joined her underneath the blanket, his arm pressing her close to his side. He pressed his nose against her hair, smelling the fragrance of flowers. Natsu leaned against the warm body that her husband provided. He was her savior, a protector who would go to such great lengths for her. A blush crept up to her cheeks and she pressed herself closer to him.

"Is there something in your mind, koi?"

Natsu paused and an image of a book held by a smiling Hinata flashed in her mind.

"It's about Hinata."

"Oh yes, how is my daughter?"

Natsu giggled and hugged Hiashi around the waist. "Why don't you ask her yourself, Hiashi?"

Hiashi paused and reluctantly answered, "It will be…embarrassing…"

"Hiashi-koi, it is not like Hinata will talk about her suitors with you."

Hiashi sighed. "That is true but you are closer to her than I am."

Natsu nodded. "Hai but if you wish, you, too, can be closer to her than I."

Hiashi paused and he found himself unable to answer. Natsu nuzzled closer to the warmth provided by her love and brought her legs close to her chest, the kimono restricting some movements. "That is true. I will change my ways soon, Natsu. For you." He kissed her temple and she smiled.

"Hiashi, do you know if the library has a book about the structure of the Hyuuga castle?"

He thought about it before chuckling. "I thought you knew every book there was, Natsu."

She smiled and playfully smacked him. "Hai but this book I never came across."

He racked his brain for the list of the books he personally ordered to fill his library and came to one conclusion. "No, I believe I never heard or ordered a book as such. Do you know what the title was?"

She frowned. "Sadly no but it had something to do with the structure of the castle. Maybe it was blueprints of it?"

"Maybe but I never heard of a book as such. And if there was one with such a title then it must be a fairly old book. This castle was built many centuries ago. Such a book might have not survived after the many reconstructions this old building has gone through. Why do you ask?"

Natsu bit her bottom lip before replying. "Hinata was carrying the book I was just describing to you. If a book you never enlisted was in the library, how did Hinata find it?"

They paused. "How did she? Now that's a question you might have to ask her yourself, koi." Hiashi massaged Natsu's shoulder, earning himself a low hearable moan. "It's just a book. No harm can come from it, right?"

Natsu couldn't help but feel that Hiashi's statement was wrong.

Naruto sighed. How many times could this female faint? It must be taking a toll on her body for it to shut down and restart again. After Hinata fainted, Naruto panicked—it was a full two minutes before the daze of panic lifted from his mind—and gingerly picked her up, settling her within her warm covers. For a fleeting moment, he thought of undressing her and cloth her in her night gown but thought against it immediately when he remembered that she was a she. So now Hinata sleeps with a few light snores escaping her parted lips. Naruto smiled tenderly remembering today's event.

He distinctly remembered surprise, fear, and anger when he was summoned. He was, however, in for a treat when he was summoned in a cramp library. He expected a bloodied battle field with weapons shooting from this way and that. Imagine his surprise when he saw not a warrior but a meek female. Ah, the confusion that swam in his head earlier today will never leave him for the rest of his life. He unstrapped his katana and leaned it against the wall. He took a seat beside it and glanced around. Really, where was he going to sleep? The bed itself seemed three times bigger than Hinata and maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to crash beside the small, fragile human. Sharing a bed wasn't so bad, right?

'Wasn't so bad if your companion was a male but she is a she', whispered his mind, slapping his palm against his forehead. "You're such a baka…" whispered Naruto, his head banging the wall.

Suddenly, his ears caught the sound of footsteps approaching Hinata's room. Since he has yet to get accustomed around this castle and its residents, his body instinctively tensed. His ears swirled around and twitched, his tail flickering, and his claws lengthening slightly. His body was screaming to protect Hinata at all costs and he wondered if this was in the kitsune's DNA. He was never summoned before so maybe he felt he had a bigger responsibility in taking care of his charge. His fangs protrude out of his lips and he growled, his hand resting on the tsuka. His legs bent and his leg muscles tensed, preparing for a pounce.

The door opened and Natsu stepped in, noting the dim lighting of the room. She glanced around and saw the curtain pushed aside, letting the moonlight flood inside her daughter's room. She quietly made her way to the window and draped the curtains back in place. She went to every candle and blew out the flame, wishing silently that her daughter was deep into her sleep now. She left one candle lit, its light flickering, crackling, before going silent, its bright light still burning and providing a bit of warmth. She reached her daughter's side and tucked her in. Hinata sighed and rolled to the side, making Natsu smile.

"Goodnight, my sunshine," whispered Natsu, kissing Hinata's temple.

Natsu reached for the door but stopped, feeling someone watching her. She glanced around the darkened room and found nothing out of the sort. Natsu's wondering eyes lingered in the shadows of her daughter's room and left, the door resounding with a click.

Naruto's watchful eyes scanned the woman who entered the room. He was crouched on the top corner where two walls met, his claws digging into the wall and his feet were on both sides. It was a tiresome task that involved both physical strength and concentration but to him it was just child's play. The pain has yet to set in and the only thing that was keeping him from sl1ashing out at the woman was her gentle nature that reminded him of Hinata's. His assumptions were correct when the woman kissed Hinata's forehead. He guessed that the beautiful woman was Hinata's mother, the Queen of this kingdom. He noted many familiar traits and he wondered how much time they spend together. She obviously cares for her on a deep personal level and he couldn't help the smile that displayed itself on his face. Hinata was a lucky hime, not many had the fortunate of having a caring mother such as this woman.

He quickly bit his lip when the woman turned in his direction. He let out a sigh when she turned around and left the room. He waited a few minutes before dropping to the floor without making any sound. His tail flicked and his ears twitched, hearing the descending steps reach the end of the hallway and a click of another door was heard. His eyes wandered to Hinata's unmoving form except the occasional sigh or snore. He smiled and grabbed an extra pillow and blanket that was dropt on the floor. He made his makeshift bed on the floor and laid his katana beside him. Today…was something alright.

The mornings light reached Hinata's closed eyes and she moaned, not wanting to do anything with "waking up" and "princess duties". It was an everyday routine where she'll have to do calligraphy with a strict sensei that almost made her cry on the first day; diplomatic homework led by her own kaa-chan; overview and memorized the whole history of her kingdom; become acquainted with formal greetings; and lastly (and the worst enemy of Hinata) reviewing over lists upon lists of suitors. Just thinking about her daily routine made her rouse from her sleepy spell. She sat up and rubbed her eyes, quickly wiping the dry drool that coated the corner of her lips. She yawned and stretched till she heard the pleasurable cracks of her joints and tendons. Too tired to remember anything, she thanked her lucky stars that she woke earlier than yesterday. If she grabs her bathroom necessities now, maybe she'll be able to beat the maid who pours hot water on her bath. She smiled and quickly jumped off her bed.

"Ohayo never thought you were a snorer." Hinata stopped moving. She turned slowly to her side and there, leaning against the wall, was Naruto with a cheeky smile on his face. His arms were crossed in front of his chest and his katana was already strapped on his hip. His blue eyes danced with a jovially tint and pushed off the wall, stalking towards the unmoving Hyuuga.

All thought process stopped in Hinata's mind. That's right…she summoned a kitsune who, somehow, was now her personal guard and became a new friend of hers too. She felt faint and quickly reached for her bed. Naruto assisted as soon as he saw her pale face and gently placed her on the bed. It was too much to take in—too hard to believe that this actually happened to her. Her head started to throb and she moaned painfully.

"Oi, you okay there?"

"H-Hai…just a bit of a head—"

The door opened and Hinata's head snapped to its direction.

"Ohayogozaimasu, Hinata-sama—what happened my dear?" The shriek made Hinata flinch and decided against standing up. She lay back down as a maid came scrambling to her side, asking a million questions per minute. Hinata glanced around and noticed Naruto missing. Maybe he heard the oncoming maid?

The maid quickly excused herself and Hinata felt her head swim. She groaned and pressed herself against the bed, seeking some kind of comfort, some kind of escape to this pain. A sudden breeze to her side made her crack one eyelid open and blue clashed against light lavender.

Naruto rested a hand on her sweaty forehead and he winced at the hot temperature bubbling underneath her skin. His heart hammered against his chest and he glanced around, trying to find a way to ease her pain. The window was a no-go and there wasn't any kind of water available in her room. His fingers twitched and he concentrated on his ears, trying to pick up on any sudden movements. Nothing was heard. He quickly nipped his finger and watched as a bit of blood oozed out. He gently pried her lips apart and placed his finger above her open mouth. A drop of blood fell and it landed on her tongue. Naruto furrowed his brows and squeezed his finger, demanding more blood to ooze out. Steps were heard approaching the room. A few more drops landed on Hinata's mouth and Naruto moved away when he heard her swallow, placing his now healing finger into his mouth.

The door opened and Naruto vanished into a dark corner, leveling out his breathing and heartbeat.

"See, Natsu-sama, Hinata's terribly ill!"

"Hai, I see. Arigatou. Now, can you bring me a bowl of cold water with a rag, please? I'll dearly appreciate it."

The maid was an elder one, working under the Queen for a while now. She waved her hand and smiled, already out the door. "Anything for you, my Queen, and for the hime."

Natsu smiled but it was quickly replaced with worry. She reached Hinata's side and touched her forehead. Frowning, she touched Hinata's neck and noted how her heart beat slowed to a regular pulse. Her forehead wasn't burning and her bangs were wet. She was sweating and had a fever. What kind of medication did she take to stop the illness? The maid came back with a bowl in her hands and a rag on her arm. Natsu once again said her thanks and placed the bowl in a nearby table.

"Kashikoi-san, can you please open the curtains?"

The maid nodded and walked to the window, parting the curtains. "How is she, Natsu-sama?"

"She is well, Kashikoi-san, she is well." Natsu dipped the rag and wiped the lingering sweat on her daughter's forehead. She dipped the rag once more and squeezed out the water. She placed the rag on Hinata's forehead and pulled back. "Kashikoi…did you give her any kind of medication?"

Kashikoi furrowed her brows. "Of course not, Natsu-sama. You know I have no art in the medical field."

Natsu hummed and tenderly caressed Hinata's cheek, making her daughter smile in her sleep. "Well, she is better now. It must be some kind of miracle from Kami-sama."

Kashikoi chuckled. "It doesn't sound absurd. Even the gods praise our pure-hearted Hinata-sama."

Natsu gave one last lingering look before turning to the maid. "I must go and report this to Hiashi. If you can, please wait on the bath Hinata usually takes. It might be a while before she awakes."

Kashikoi smiled and followed after Natsu, closing the door without a second glance.

Naruto sighed and landed on the floor. His ears twitched and he waited a few more minutes before he heard the door closing and the footsteps disappeared. He walked slowly to Hinata's side and touched her forehead. She smiled in her sleep and leaned into his palm. He chuckled and felt relieved when he felt no burning sensation on her skin. He glanced around and shrugged, deciding to sit next to Hinata. He lay down gingerly, slowly, so he won't wake the princess. The mattress moaned under his pressure but his body immediately relaxed once he was fully settled. Well, no wonder the little hime was snoring in her sleep! Naruto smiled and rolled around, his tail swishing back and forth with excitement. He sighed out of happiness and closed his eyes. After all, the floor wasn't a suitable bed to sleep in. Once his body relaxed, he felt a head land on his shoulder. His eyes snapped open and he reflexively grabbed his katana. His eyes darted to the side and his brows furrowed when he saw Hinata lying on his shoulder, her nose rubbing against him, and a small smile on her face. Her hand came up and gripped his shirt, drawing both occupants closer together. Naruto had the decency to blush and he was conflicted to push her away or let her be. He closed his eyes and bit his lip, the concentration taking a toll on him. Well…it wouldn't be so bad to leave Hinata there. It's not like they were doing anything explicit. So with that thought in mind, Naruto snuggled closer to the bed and smiled; both princess and kitsune sighing in the same time.

"Hiashi, Hinata is ill." If it was anybody else, Hiashi would have been furious of the sudden interruption. But upon seeing his heaving wife with a worried look on her pretty face, he dropped the papers he was holding and was out the door the next second.

"What is her illness?"

"It appeared that she had a fever." Natsu was matching her husband's strides. "But what was odd was that Hinata had a fever. When Kashikoi first arrived, she described Hinata's body flushing and sweating profoundly but when I arrived, the symptoms all but disappeared." Natsu slowed her pace and she bit her bottom lip, her hand coming up to touch her chin. "I know that I must be hindering you from your work, Hiashi, but I am so very afraid for Hinata right now. She's never gotten sick before and I might be making a big scene, but I wish for you to check her as well. I just have no desire for my daughter to go through any of the episodes I went through when I was younger…" Memories, all sour to taste, flashed in Natsu's mind and she glanced down at the marble floor, her petite, pale feet pecking out of her kimono. No mother wants their children to go through any sort of pain and they try, with all their might, to protect their young ones. Natsu kept this in mind while raising both Hinata and Hanabi and she thanks the heavens that both, so far, had not fallen to Death's hands. However, there is a major difference between both children. Hanabi has been given the liberty to explore the world more—and Natsu thanks the heavens that Hanabi didn't inherit her weak genes—and thus, Hanabi had already visited every other state in Japan and has become acquainted with multiple foreign ambassadors. But Hinata has yet to taste such sweet freedom. And here, multiple times, Natsu was conflicted. It pained the Queen when she had to cage her poor Hinata because of the weak body she inherited. If Natsu had the power and knowledge to find a cure for Hinata, she'll take the chance without a second thought. But the Hyuuga have already done all that they can. No doctor or known medicine can cure Hinata of her weak genes. And oh how Natsu wiped when Hiashi came to tell her the sorrowful news. She cradled baby Hinata closer to her chest and the heart wrenching cries of the Queen filled the castle the day Hinata was born.

Hiashi also ceased his walking and turned to his wife, his eyebrows furrowed and his frown deepening. He quickly reached her side and gently touched her shoulder, the eyes of the multiple maids and butlers burning holes through his body. "Natsu-koi…"

Natsu nodded and straightened her posture, her chin held high. "Hiashi, do not worry for me." She grabbed his hand and led him down the hall. "Hinata is your main concern now. Worry for her."

Naruto was having a wonderful dream. He was lying in a patio of soft, green grass with the occasional flower popping up here and there. His ears would once in a while catch the sound of a humming lullaby that was carried along with the wind. The familiar notes and voices made him smile and gentle touches to his face by soft fingers made him sigh. It was a forgotten memory he pushed to the back of his head but that doesn't mean he's forgotten about it. It was a song that a mother kitsune would sing to their offspring and it worked as a charm for the young ones—and it always has worked for Naruto. Suddenly, the smell of burning flesh and wood reached his sensitive nose. He quickly stood up and his eyes took in the scenario. The forest was burning and bodies were running around in a desperate attempt to extinguish the fire that was slowly licking off their skin and burning their bones. Naruto parted his lips to scream when suddenly the scene changed. Gone was the forest and burning bodies and it was replaced with a tranquil sight of a lake. Standing in the middle was a young woman whose face was hidden by the shadows. She walked forward and stopped a few feet away from a speechless Naruto. She glanced up and his breath got caught in his throat. Beautiful lavender eyes stared at him and her hand reached up to cup his cheek. Her thumb caressed his calloused skin and a sigh escaped his chapped lips. His body felt light yet his heart thumped loudly and his chest grew heavy by the second.

Hinata parted her lips and whispered, "Wake up, Naruto…"

Startled out of his mind, Naruto woke up. His heart was beating erratically and he sat up, his hand coming up to massage his scalp. Suddenly his ears caught the sound of frantic steps heading towards Hinata's room and he sighed. "I have to hide again…" He grabbed his katana and molded with the darkness in the corner of her room.

The door opened quickly and Hiashi stepped in. Naruto eyed the man and assumed that this male was Hinata's father. Hiashi walked briskly to Hinata's side and gingerly placed a hand on her forehead. Behind him came Natsu and a few maids. Hiashi frowned and glanced behind him, his eyes linking with his wife. Natsu nodded and walked to his side, her light lavender eyes looking down at her daughter.

"What is wrong with her, Hiashi? You learned more about medicine than any other person in the Hyuuga family."

Hiashi remained silent, his frown never leaving his face. "Are you sure Hinata was ill?"

"Hai," said Kashikoi, stepping out from the group. She bowed and continued, "She was breathing heavily and was pale as snow. She was flushed with a heated fever, Hyuuga-sama." Hiashi glanced at the maid and nodded. Kashikoi resumed her prior position.

Hiashi looked around his daughter's room and Naruto's breath got caught on his dried throat when his eyes overlooked his hidden spot. The aged Hyuuga nodded before looking down at his daughter again. "I can only assume that she was ill but now she is feeling better." He bent down and placed his ear beside her parted lips. "Her breathing is regular and," his fingers touched her wrist, "her pulse is beating regularly too. For now, she is well." Hiashi's eyebrows furrowed. "But let's keep an eye on her. Kashikoi, Jentouri, and Foru, please keep an eye on Hinata." The maids bowed and Hiashi nodded. He walked past the group but stopped by the door. "Natsu, please join me in my office. Arigatou minna-san, you are dismissed." A chorused of "hai's" was heard and the servant's closed the doors.

Naruto moved from the corner and sighed. He glanced at Hinata and furrowed his brows. "Why are they so concern over a little fever?"

A few days had passed in the Hyuuga castle and all was well. True to Hiashi's suspicion, the next day Hinata arose well and healthy, dismissing the inquisitive questions aimed at her by the maids. And it wasn't just physically that Hinata felt alive and light but her mind whispered many suggestible things to do in the castle. But what made her more happy and giggly was her friend Uzumaki-san. She sighed and played with a strand of her hair. It was hard getting accustomed to him—he was after all sleeping in her room—but a few days were the right antidote to her fainting spells and spluttering madness. He'll chat up about anything and everything and Hinata was the right audience for the stories that passed his mind and crazy imagination. She was still shy to ask about his homeland and how the kitsune life style was so she opted to tell him a bit of the books she's read thus far and the life style she was used to. "Oh yeah, I know that feeling," would be one of his responses when she'll tell him about her duties. It was little hints like that that made her curiosity spike up. What was Naruto's life style before arriving here?

"Oi, Hinata-sama, were you listening?" Hinata blinked when Naruto started waving animatedly in front of her. She blushed out of embarrassment and shook her head.

"S-Sumimasen," mumbled the blushing princess while glancing down.

Naruto blinked and his tail twitched. "Ne, ne, don't you worry about it! It was something stupid anyway."

Hinata shook her head. "Anything you say is important, Uzumaki-san."

Naruto sighed but couldn't help the little bit of warmth that came from her words. "Uzumaki-san? I'm your protector so you can call me by my first name."

She bit her lip and glanced down. They were isolated in her room and Hinata was practicing her calligraphy with delicate strokes of her hand and brush. Her eyes traced over the word she wrote out and was surprised to find the word "kitsune" in kanji. She quickly placed the soft and thin paper in a drawer underneath the desk. Her cheeks burned and she averted her gaze from her talking friend.

"There you go again. What's up with you lately? Hinata-sama, are you okay?"

She looked up and blue clashed with light lavender. For a moment, everything in the room went still—the particles in the air, the singing of the birds, the light that was hitting her skin left no warmth, the groaning from the massive castle—and it was hard for her to swallow. She forgot how to breathe air and how to pump blood. Automatically, her body heat went up by a couple degrees and she tried to look away from this magic she was casted upon.

Naruto glanced away first and Hinata took in deep breathes in greedily. Her heart pounded from the connection and her mind flashed images of Uzumaki-san's dark and very beautiful blue eyes. Her eyes took in every detail of his face; from his chin and jaw to his perfect shaped eyebrows and cute whisker tattoos. It was amazing how much the eyes of a human can take in while focusing on one point and she couldn't help but be grateful for her eyesight. Even if they were a dull color, they gave her the chance to take in what the world has to offer and remember how the people important to her look like. It was true that Hinata was a bit naïve and trusts too easily but she, for the life of her, can't find that as a weakness. Her heart bleeds compassion and her mind struggles to find any ill feelings aimed at anyone. She pipes in her own opinion about peace and hospitality to those who need it most and at times the elders frown upon such kind-hearted words. But there were multiple times where The Council will nod and agree with her words—words that she thought were worth nothing like the dirt below our feet—and murmur how she'll bring a peaceful era when she rules the land.

Blushing lightly, Hinata took out another paper and dips the tip of her brush in the black ink. She breathed in and closed her eyes, her mind imagining another word for her to write. She lowered her hand and her eyes focused on the first stroke she took.

"What are you going to write?" The question was directed right beside her and the warmth of one's breath hit the shell of her ear. She jumped and the brush swished to the side, destroying the perfection that she was making. But she wasn't focused on the mistake she made. Rather, she was focusing on the body pressed behind her and the skin on skin contact Uzumaki-san was accidently making. Her heart hammered. But who could blame her? She's still a princess who hasn't made a one-on-one conversation with any male besides the servants and her father. This was passing her boundary.

Naruto laughed nervously when he saw the effect of his whisper. He took a step back and mumbled a "gomen" under his breath. He decided then and there to let the hime work in her leisure pace. He walked around her room, admiring her bed for the nth time, and glancing outside her window. His feet took him there without his consent and his eyes took in the greenery below Hinata's bedroom. It was nothing like his homeland but this was the closest thing the humans will get with "natural beauty". He sighed, his heart feeling heavy when memories appeared before his open eyes. Many of the memories carried soft music and kind smiles with children's laughter and the warmth of a family, of a community. But some remembrance made him squeeze his eyes and fist his hands, his nails digging into his skin. The pain was welcoming and for a moment he focused on the pulsing pain instead of his dark recollection.

"Uzumaki-san, what do you think?" The soft voice made the horrible memories vanish and it was replaced with a soothing effect on his heart and cooing his body into relaxation. Not noticing that he even tensed his body, Naruto walked to Hinata's side. He cocked an eyebrow and she pointed to her paper, her cheeks flushed. He was concerned for her health momentarily and his hand touched her forehead. She shook her head—and for some odd reason refused to use her voice—and bit her lip, her finger once again pointing to her paper. Shrugging, Naruto looked at the paper and his eyes widened when he took in the word she wrote.

There, in beautiful strokes of black ink, was the name Naruto.

Night has fallen rather quickly in the kingdom and Hinata has bid her parent's farewell and goodnight. She made her way to the room and she smiled, knowing that Naruto was following her within the shadows of the castle. She opened the door and waited a few seconds before closing it. She remembered the first time she forgot that she had someone following her around.

Hinata closed the door of her room and a loud bang from behind her made her jump. Her eyes widened remembering who was tailing her and she quickly opened the door. There, lying in the empty hallway was Naruto, a hand nursing his nose.

"What was that for?!"

She blushed and made her way to her bed, sitting down on the soft mattress to soothe her aching feet. It was required for her to wear slippers when she wasn't wearing the traditional sandals. It was forbidden for her to walk bare-footed even amongst her room. She sighed remembering her father's rules and she took off the sandals, massaging her mid-foot. She smiled in pleasure and massaged her other foot that was begging for attention.

"Does it really hurt to wear those sandals?" Naruto was leaning against the wall, his katana unstrapped and placed on the floor beside him.

Hinata nodded and placed the sandals on the floor, her hands reaching for the white slippers. Suddenly shouts were heard outside her room. Hinata's head snapped at the direction of her door and her heart thundered against her chest when she heard the frantic stomping. She stood up, slippers laid forgotten, and her fingers went up to touch her bottom lip. Frozen, her ears caught the sound of shouts from the castle soldiers and footsteps approaching closer to her room. Never before in her life had Hinata experienced an attack in the castle. Her kingdom was relatively calm with the lowest percentage of crime in all of Japan. Their poverty was below the five percent and their economy was as stable as the ecosystem. So who would want a Hyuuga as an enemy? Her body quivered but the view of the door was blocked by a muscle back. A hand pushed her back softly and her eyes went from the hand to the shoulder and finally landing on a determined looking Naruto. She bit back the gasp that died to escape her lips. The fierce determination burning in those blue orbs took her back. It was the look of a warrior ready to battle a thousand men single handily and no fear running in his veins. It was a look that took her breathe away and an instinct within her awakened. It was a look of a male ready to die to protect the woman he loves. She shivered and her heart raced at the thought.

Naruto's eyes narrowed and his ears constantly swirled and twitched, trying to catch every little sound. From the south of the building, a series of attacks were launched making the castle groan and shake. From the north came a stampede of soldiers that were racing to reach the south side and orders were shouted to scout the gardens and to search a three mile radius outside the castle walls. The sounds of feet hitting the floor echoed everywhere in the castle and Naruto knew that the servants were in a frenzy. Was this, perhaps, the first time someone tried to attack the Hyuuga castle? His ears twitched when he heard the familiar light steps of Hinata's mother coming their way. His stance relaxed and he glanced behind him to see Hinata. The moment he heard the attacks, his body instinctively jumped in front of the frozen princess, his hand ready at the tsuka to attack any enemy that dare to open the chamber's to his friend's room.

"Hinata-sama, your okaa-sama is coming this way." When he didn't hear a response, he fully turned around and narrowed his eyes when he saw the fear swimming her eyes. "Oi, Hinata, listen to me." He cupped her cheek and made her eyes lock with his. She blinked and a tear leaked out. He brushed it away and his heart thundered upon seeing the fear in her face. "Oi, remember I'll protect you. No matter what, I'll never leave your side. Now, go." He lightly pushed her forward and jumped back in the darkness of her room. Right then, the door opened and a worried Natsu walked in, a few soldiers behind her.

"Hinata, my dear, are you okay?"

Hinata's eyes moved slowly to her mother's and once the Hyuuga Queen was within arm's reach, Hinata lunged forward, wrapping her arms around her mother's waist.

"K-K-Kaa-chan, are you okay? How is Hanabi and otou-sama? How is everyone?" Hinata launched a million questions but her mind wanted reassurance. Her head pulsed from the overflowing worry. What's the status?

"Hinata, listen to me. Calm down." It was now where Natsu showed her true colors as a Queen. She didn't weep tears or cried for help but stood tall as a solider and her eyes told a fury tale of a warrior ready to launch to defend her family. "Hanabi is fine. She was led to a secret room to keep her safe. Your otou-sama is right now in the tactic room working out plans on how to end this attack. Now listen Hinata, I would love to come with you but I am needed in the tactic room alongside your otou-sama. Oh, my daughter…" For a moment, Natsu showed vulnerability, weakness for her daughter and worried for her health. "Oh, please be strong, my Hinata. I promise, under Kami's name, that I will not let anyone touch you or Hanabi. That is my last dying wish." She kissed Hinata's forehead. "Now Hinata, follow the soldier's. They'll take you to a room that was made specifically for surprise attacks such as these. Do you hear me?"

Hinata hesitated to answer. It was true that the safe room was perhaps the safest place for her right now but she wanted to be beside her mother and father, she wanted to do something. She didn't want to be seen as a weak princess who needs protection; she wants to be the knight with shining armor who stands on the front line ready to battle. But how would she contribute to this mishap? The only thing she has learned was calligraphy, dancing, speech, and so on and so forth—the regular duties of a princess. She was conflicted but her better mind told her that there was nothing she can do for now.

She nodded and wiped her pity tears, a determination growing in her eyes. The least she can do now was to stay safe and far from harm's hands. Natsu nodded and wished her luck once more before she left the room, her own heart thundering against her chest. 'Please Kami-sama, let us all come out of this alive.'

The soldiers led Hinata through multiple hallways, turning this way and that, and stopped in front of a set of steel double doors. Naruto narrowed his eyes and fingered his tsuka. 'Better not make any moves, soldiers, or I won't hesitate to kill you.'

"Hyuuga-sama, this is the room where you'll stay in. We'll come back once the threat is gone or taken care of. Please do not open the doors unless it is your mother or father." Hinata nodded and took in all of the information. The soldiers nodded and made a notion towards the door so one of them can open it. One stepped up and quickly unlocked it with shaking hands. The smell of wood washed over Hinata and she quickly stepped inside the polished room. The door was about to close when Hinata's hand stopped it. The soldiers looked at her confused and Hinata blushed.

"Please, take care. Let no harm fall on any of you." The soldiers looked surprised and that moment of hesitation was all that was needed so Naruto can sneak in. After a few seconds, they all nodded and bid the princess good luck. They closed the door and locked it, sealing away the princess from the disaster that was slowly escalating.

Hinata slowly took in her surroundings. It was like a miniature size of her room with a few necessities here and there. She made her way to the book shelf and shakily took out a book. Naruto's eyes narrowed. She sat on the only available bed and opened the book. From the outside appearance, it looked as if the princess was reading, taking in every word from the story. But her eyes never left one spot on the page. Her mind wandered from the room to the battle that was ensuing outside the doors. Were there any casualties? If so, who? Who exactly was the enemy? Her chest tightened and a sobbed was stuck in her throat. Why did this happen?

"Hey…" A soft, deep, and masculine voice whispered close to her ears. She glanced up and blue eyes took in her worried expression. Naruto caressed her cheek—never had he touched something as soft as her skin—and rubbed her nose against his. "It's going to be okay. Remember what I said?"

It was silent and Hinata gathered her wits before responding, "Y-You'll protect me…"

"Yeah, and I never go back on my promises." His tone was soft, soothing to her ears and she smiled weakly.

"Arigatou…"

They were so close, their lips a few inches apart, and their skin dying to touch each other's. It was a passion that didn't need any words to convey how the other felt. It was all seen through their eyes. Naruto's heart thundered, his fingers itching to grab her silky hair. Hinata's cheeks burned, her hand wanting to cup his cheek.

The moment was destroyed when a loud bang was heard from the door. Naruto's eyes locked on the doors and he was in front of Hinata the next second. She stood up, her hand reaching to grab Naruto's shirt. He glanced behind him and saw a fragile Hinata who cowered when another bang resounded in the room. His ears caught the sound of her racing heart and he worried that the stress will make her faint. His eyes looked at the door and his hand fingered the tsuka, unsheathing his katana and taking a fighting pose, his blade pointed to the door. His muscles tensed, waiting for any attack. Suddenly nothing was heard. He didn't relax but instead focused on his hearing. Nothing.

A loud explosion caused the steel to imbed itself on the floor and on the walls. A large piece of steel was racing towards their direction and with fast reflexes Naruto sheathed his katana and grabbed Hinata, rolling them both out of the way. The destruction made the walls crumble and the night's breeze made the occupants shiver. Amongst the clouded debris a figure stood, ominous as ever. Naruto narrowed his eyes when the figure took a step forward. His katana was pointed to the new threat. The figure simply raised its hand and within the darkness a bright light was seen.

Naruto's eyes widened.

"We need to get out of here!"

Hinata, scared out of her life, screamed when Naruto was by her side in mere seconds. "W-Why?"

"He has a bomb."

Naruto reached in his kimono and took out a scroll. In the moment, Naruto disregarded the warnings going off in his head and instead focused on unraveling the scroll. Hinata's eyes widened upon seeing the complex seal on it.

"W-What is this?"

"It's a way to escape our death." Without stopping, Naruto bit his thumb and smeared the blood across the scroll, the writings glowing. He grabbed Hinata's arm and slammed his palm on the seal.

A white glow enveloped Hinata and Naruto. Hinata only had time to grab onto Naruto tightly before they vanished.

The figure remained still in the destroyed room. Out of nowhere, a smirk was shown in his face.

"Phase 1, complete."

Teleportation, in definition, is the transfer of matter or energy from one point to another without using the physical space between them. In scientific terms, teleportation is not possible. The human body was heavy as it is and if teleportation did, in fact, happen, the human body wouldn't be able to support the fast travel from one point to another. Instead of arriving to a destination, they're body, at some point during teleportation, would be destroyed from the overwhelming speed. In other terms, it's impossible for a human—or any matter—to teleport. But how was it possible that right now Hinata was teleporting in high speeds?

Her eyes were squeezed shut and her body was pressed tightly against Naruto. Her hair was being blown back and her face burned from the wind that was slashing at her viciously. Her body felt heavy and light in the same time. Her temple throbbed and she felt all of the blood in her body reach her head. Her throat felt dry and her ears popped continuously. She tried to feel any sensation but to her horror, she felt nothing. She daringly peek an eye open and what she saw astonished her to the point that the words were stolen from her.

Their bodies weren't moving but time was moving for them. Hovering in the air, she saw multiple colors swimming pass them; images of different places that she has only read in her books were displayed before her very eyes. From the driest desert to the middle of the ocean, Hinata saw it all and took it in with greed. Never again will she experience something as this and maybe, no other human has. She glanced down and her eyes widened upon seeing people from different countries chatting. The scenes changed every few seconds and Hinata laughed, dizziness catching up to her and disbelief washing over her. She carefully reached out to touch the colors and when her fingertips barely grazed the colors, they swallowed her hand making her feel warm. She laughed. She saw how the colors danced on her palm, figurines appearing out of thin air and playing with her fingers. Her tickling laughter of happiness caught their attention and the figurines changed to horses that ran her way. They ran around her head, making her smile. One horse carefully touched her nose and Hinata blushed. What were these colors? Her eyes glanced up when the horses neighed once more before returning to the current of colors. Never before has she seen beauty as this. The colors kept swimming but the scenes seized, one image displaying. It was an image of what looked like a forest with multiple mountains protruding in the background.

Naruto smiled when Hinata played with the Colors of Life. Did she know how beautiful she looked when she was happy? Naruto paused and his cheeks burned. Suddenly, the Eye of the World stopped and showed them his world. He knew what was about to happen. He grabbed Hinata's arm and quickly whispered, "Brace yourself; we're about to land."

Hinata's eyebrows furrowed before she felt herself drop. She screamed as the wind rushed past her. Her hair was blown back, her stomach felt like it dropped, and her eyes widened. They were dropped from the sky and the ground was getting closer to them. She screamed once more and curled herself closer to Naruto who accepted the notion. He cradled her close and his ears caught the thundering of her heart. The wind or drop didn't bother Naruto but he was a bit worried on how they're going to land. His mind raced for a last minute salvation and his eyes narrowed when one idea popped into his mind. Focusing the wind under his feet, he whispered, "Kaze no tsubasa." Chakra-like wings appeared on his feet and slowed down the fall. The ground was now closer and Naruto closed his eyes, having faith in his technique. The wings flapped and slowly lowered both human and kitsune to the ground. Naruto opened one eye and sighed out of relief.

"Hey, it's okay to open your eyes now."

Hinata's tensed body slowly unraveled itself and her bare feet touched the dirt of the forest. She opened her eyes and she gasped. All around her were trees as high as the sky and their leaves hung from the branches creating vines that curled around the trunks. Plants of all shapes and sizes were around her and flowers of colors she thought never existed were within arm's reach. The breeze was warm and provided comfort to the speechless Hinata.

"Hinata-sama, welcome to The Land of Legends."