Hinata looked at Naruto with wide eyes.

"I-Is…is this your home land?"

Naruto's gaze lingered on her before turning around. "Hai, it is."

"It's…" He tensed. "It's so beautiful."

Beautiful was an understatement and Hinata knew it. It was only out of her books and in her imagination that she saw different worlds. Did it count that she dreamt of visiting different countries in her sleep? How many times have she thought of this moment? How she longed to feel the grass underneath her feet and the stabbing of little rocks digging into her skin. To others, maybe it was odd to enjoy such a pity moment—stepping on dirt without slippers?—but to Hinata it meant the world—the tilt of magnitude in her life. She stood still for a moment and closed her eyes in bliss, feeling the warm breeze caress her cheeks and blow her hair. She wiggled her toes and giggled out of happiness. The grass tickled her feet and the dirt smoothed her pale skin, tainting it with nature's beauty. Truly, the grass felt like silk and the small marching she did made her realize that she was out of the castle and into the world. How much did she miss out all these years? All these years she felt the silk of homemade cotton wrapping her feet, protecting her from cold marble. All these years she had the castle walls protect her from the warm air that now freely washed over her without any barriers and god, it felt wonderful to the very core of her being. To know that she was now free and away from the watchful eye of her father made her want to investigate more and never leave. Maybe she can convince Naruto to take her around before going back. Oh, the story she'll tell her mom when she goes back will leave them both in a dreamy state. And it'll leave Hinata sleepless for many nights because she lived the dream! By god, does everyone feel this free?

Hinata, with slow steps as if she was savoring it, took in her surroundings. They landed in the middle of a forest, trees as tall as the giants she's read about. Their roots were thick and wide and the veins crawled its way from the trunk to the top. The plants were as wild as the pictures she's seen in the books with their leaves big and dipping on the floor. The flowers were different from each other, varying from colors and sizes. Hinata, with hesitant steps, approached the wild flowers and shakily stroked a petal, awed by its silkiness. She laughed and touched every little thing her eyes landed on. The tree trunk with small blisters and rough texture made her eyes wide. The dirt smothered between her index and middle finger made her nose twitch from the earthly smell. The birds she heard was exotic—not like the birds back at home that was caged—and left her mind speechless when she saw the sizes of the birds. Some were as huge as a dog! Whatever this place was, it was beautiful.

Naruto chuckled, breaking her out of her state. "So I'm taking this as a good thing?"

Hinata laughed breathlessly and nodded. "Q-Quite the scene you have here, Uzumaki-kun."

Naruto blushed from the honorific and didn't know how to react. His mind registered what she said but his mind didn't cooperate with what was going on. It was an overwhelming feeling and Naruto decided to scratch the back of his head and demand the blush to go away.

"Ah, well, I guess we should wait it out, ne? Let's say," he cupped his chin while glancing at the blue sky, "we leave here around night. Is that okay?"

"Oh, h-hai, I'll like to…look around more." Her simple dress fluttered and a smile like no other cascaded on her face. Naruto was breathless.

"Yeah…whatever you want…" 'Hinata…'

Night fell quickly upon the land and the sight of the bare night sky left her amazed beyond words. They decided to settle on a hill, far from the tall trees and wild plant life, and stare as the sky turned from blue to a dark black. The abyss was going on forever as the black swallowed her and the stars became her guidance as she lost herself in the black sea. They made constellations that she only read about and drew images that left her giggling for a few seconds. Bliss was what she was feeling and it was sadness that was not so far from it. In a few minutes they were to go back to the castle and everything that she experienced here will be nothing but a dream. But the dream will be stitched into her mind forever and she'll recall how it felt when she first touched the grass and felt the trunk of a tree and watched the stars with her first friend. She wondered if she'll get sick gravely from staying out of the cold but was it worth the risk? Yes, very much.

She chanced a glance at Naruto and furrowed her brows at what she saw. Ever since the blue sky changed to an orange glow, he had a look of focus and if she looked further into his very dark, blue eyes she'll be able to see a twinge of worry and fear.

"Uzumaki-san, is something wrong?"

Naruto took a deep breath to ease his beating heart and smiled a shaky smile. "O-Oh, nothing's wrong Hinata-sama!"

Hinata nodded and decided to wait it out. After all, patience is the key to solving anything.

Naruto worriedly glanced at Hinata again before staring at the stars. His heart hammered against his chest. His eyes widened even more. His palms got sweaty. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face. His brows furrowed. He took a deep breath and—

"We can't go back to the castle."

Everything went deadly quiet and the cool breeze offered little support to his burning body.

"E-Eh?" Panic settled in her tone, now he was worried and scared.

"Ano…let me rephrase that. I can't take you back to the castle. It's not…possible."

Hinata managed to sit up and stare at Naruto.

"Oh." And her body slumped on the ground.

According to the book that holds every single detail about the Hyuuga history, the last attack on the castle was dated way back to the 1400's. During that time, and quoted from the book, the enemy was desperate to expand their land and they made the foolish mistake to attack the Hyuuga (because even in the 1400's, the Hyuuga were already popular and gaining power per day and were seen as a great enemy but a wise and strong ally). It proved to be futile because by the end of a three month war, the enemy waved the white flag frantically and called truce. The enemy decided to give the Hyuuga their land—there wasn't much left—and as an added bonus paid them 10,6825 yen ($1,000) with a bag full of gold. So the point of the story was that no matter how strong the enemy is, no one would be able to win a battle against the Hyuuga. But right now, under the full moon and cold wind, this unknown enemy was tackling down their walls, injured approximately fifty soldiers, damaged their land, and making their way into the castle. No matter what kind of weapon sliced the enemy's skin or arrow that shot through their head, the body of the enemy seemed to vanish, according to the soldiers kind of the enemy were they fighting exactly?

The fame tactic room was located in the heart of the castle where the top strategists and Head of the Hyuuga clan talk endless hours to bring down the enemy. Truly, this was the time where the highest IQ's can show off without being judged and where the King can use the ultimate power of war to bring down the threat. Hiashi stood in front of a large table, a map of the castle and surrounding area drawn in blue lines and littered here and there were black x marks where a group of the enemy has been taken down. There were areas circled in red where the soldiers have clarified where a group of enemy stood. There were too many. It wasn't the quantity that worried Hiashi but the quality that the enemy was showing. They were outsmarting the most proclaimed geniuses the world has seen and they were breaking down the Hyuuga defense lines that were acclaimed to be the "ultimate defense." Hiashi was, and he will never admit it, stump. This was the first time, under his rule, that he couldn't find an offense opportunity.

"Hiashi, please don't show that look. We have a kingdom to save." Natsu walked in with a determined look in her hardened lavender eyes. Her dress fluttered in the wind and her long hair was tied up in a ponytail. Immediately, soldiers and strategists were by her side, throwing her the updated information on the battlefield and what to do next. It was a site that if Hiashi wasn't in the middle of protecting his family and people, he could have chuckled. His wife dismissed them and lightly pushed Hiashi to the side. A part of him felt offended but he would rather his wife take the reins in this disastrous room than him.

"Tell me what's happening in the battlefield," Natsu said with a pointed look towards a heavily built man with greasy long hair. She laid her hands on the table and her eyes roamed over the map, already calculating multiple scenarios in her head.

"Hai, hai, Natsu-sama, the soldiers have reported that the enemy is slowly making their way into the Hyuuga castle—"

"What have they gone through?"

"The…the northern wall, Natsu-sama," the greasy man gulped.

Natsu hissed. "What else?"

"Hai, they've destroyed the garden, injured an addition of twenty soldiers and their weapons…"

Natsu looked up with a calculative look. "What about their weapons?"

"Hai, their weapons are quite eccentric. It's a form of machine that shoots fire and the canons they have are humanly impossible to mobilize."

Natsu paused and a plan quickly came to mind. "Take out the level two weapons—"

"Your majesty!"

"—and hand them out to the soldiers. The quicker you do it, the faster we can win this ending battle. Now, I want two hundred soldiers to protect each wall and at least twenty to be posted in front of the safe rooms where our princesses now lay hidden. Four hundred soldiers are to go to the offense here," she pointed to a red circle on the map, "and on the defense here," another red circle. "Hand out those level two weapons as soon as possible!"

Everyone scattered to carry out the queen's orders. Natsu wiped some sweat off her forehead and sat down on a nearby chair. Someone approached here and offered a glass of water that she quickly took with a grateful smile and started to breathe in and out. Her heart hammered against her chest and the heat of the room was getting to her. Her head pounded with unnecessary anxiety and stress and her muscles just won't loosen up the tension. She massaged her temple and nearly jumped when she felt a soothing hand on her shoulder. Glancing up, her husband peeked at her with concern written in his eyes and his twisted mouth gave her some sort of idea that he was not pleased at how she pushed herself.

"Hiashi, have you given the order to send three hundred soldiers to the battlefield on the defense?"

Hiashi nodded. "Natsu, are you okay?"

"Certainly, now," she handed the cup to him and stood up, "if you let me be, I'll carry on the title of Head Tactician and make sure this battle leans to our benefit."

Reluctantly, he stepped back but once he saw the war-like look she had on her eyes, he knew that no matter what he said, she won't listen (that stubborn woman) and do what must be done. He admired it and with pride, he sat down and watched as his wife carried out their victory to their side.

After an hour of non-stop battle, the Hyuuga emerged victorious. There were casualties, yes, and Natsu blamed herself (but after a while—with a bit of convincing from Hiashi's side—she got over it) but they won. The castle was now in disarray, servants rushing about here and there, trying to attend to the fallen soldiers. The Hyuuga soldiers rounded up the best medics the kingdom could offer and rush them off to the aftermath of the battle. Bodies of the dead littered the grounds and their comrades, reluctantly, had to pull the bodies away from the public eye. It was a tragedy, Natsu thought as she glanced from the window, how not a mere hours ago they were drinking beer, singing old Japanese songs together while chatting about their life, their family. They were friends, they were alive, but now they carry the burden to pull their friends from the grounds to the designated area to burn the dead and mourn their loss. Natsu sighed, lightly touching the cold window before moving away from the sorrowful scene. As she walked, maids rushed to her side and asked what to do with the injured soldiers or if the queen wished a cold drink. The queen did worry for her family and an image of a smiling Hinata and a laughing Hanabi popped into her mind. She quickly shook her head and answered the hush questions that the maids were throwing at her. Right now she had a job to do and no matter how painful it was to ignore her daughters, she had to make sure no threat was present. They were, after all, the future to this kingdom.

"Hyuuga-sama, we came to give our report." The room became deadly silent as a group of soldiers came in, the men clad in armor dropping on one knee.

"You may rise from the ground, our soldiers. What is the report?" Natsu worriedly played with a strand of her hair.

"Hai, the perimeter around the castle are clear and no sign of the enemy is present. However…"

Natsu quirked an eyebrow as the soldier gave a horrified look. "Yes, please continue."

"It seems we found a body from the enemy's army."

Immediately, Natsu walked the opposite direction and opened a door, its hinges crying loudly. The soldiers followed after her quickly and the head general caught up to her fast pacing.

"My lady, are we approaching the Biopsy Room?"

Natsu was quiet for a moment before whispering, "Yes. I would like to see how our enemy looks like and if you already reported this to Hiashi-sama then I'm sure he already sent the deceased body downstairs." She glanced back. "I wish for the rest of you to double check the surroundings and once that's done head to the Tactic room and wait for any other orders. You are dismissed." The soldiers bowed quickly and left. Natsu made eye contact with the general and they both nodded. To their front was a steel door and the chief of war quickly pulled the iron handle, his arms protruding veins and he gritted his teeth. The door opened slowly and Natsu was tempted to help the poor man but the chance of her ripping a muscle was high and she rather not discover what the limit to her body is. With the patience of a queen, Natsu waited till the door opened fully and the general gestured for her to go in first, his puffs coming out faster and short. She nodded in appreciation and stepped into the cold, bright lit room. There was a table, its gray steel reflecting the lights, and a pale, unmoving body lying on top of it. The deceased body caused her to take a step closer, her eyes narrowing and taking in every detail. She stood beside the table and she barely noted the short puffs coming from the general to her far left. Instead, her eyes took in the snow like skin of the enemy's dead body and came to the conclusion that it was an unnatural color of skin tone. She jumped slightly when the door opened again and a person dressed in white with a white cloth tied around their mouth stepped in, her husband right behind the doctor.

"Ah, Natsu-sama you arrived here early. Mijikai-senshi, it's a pleasure to see you here." The doctor smiled warmly and the general simply bowed his head. "Now what we have here is a deceased body from the enemy's army that was brought in approximately an hour ago." Hiashi stood next to Natsu. They simply looked at each other and within those few seconds they understood the gravity of the situation—the lives that were lost in the battle field and in protecting this kingdom will not be in vain. They will avenge their deaths. "It's still fresh so let's get to work. If anyone is not prone to dissection of the human body, then I advise for you to step out. We don't know what we're dealing with." No one moved. "Mijikai if you can do the honor of taking notes…? Thank you. Now what we have here is something different from the Japanese body structure which signifies that the enemy is not from here. The body is slightly smaller—I have to say around four feet and six inches—and his pale skin can tell us that either they were trained from the indoors or come from a place with little to no sun." He grabbed a scalpel and pointed to the wound on the lower left side of the stomach. "Cause of death was a stab wound to the liver and internal bleeding." He pressed the scalpel on the skin and proceeded on cutting a small part on the stomach. He put the scalpel away and with two hooked fingers, spread open the cut. He went closer and ignored the foul smell of rotting flesh. His eyes widened and he grabbed forceps. With professional movements and delicacy that made Natsu wondered how he kept his hand from not shaking, the doctor took out a piece of muscle. His eyes were full of wonderment and Natsu voiced out her curiosity.

"What's wrong, Sumato-sama?"

Sumato shook his head, his light gray eyes narrowing on the piece of muscle he cut. "The muscle's nerves and blood vessels were already rotted but how…?"

The Hyuuga Head furrowed his brows. "What do you mean, Sumato-san?"

Sumato sighed and looked at the serious Hyuuga Head and curious looking Hyuuga Queen. "What I mean is that this body was already dead for a couple of weeks. I'll have to estimate two or three weeks."

Natsu took a step back and her hand came up to cup her mouth. "How is that possible? Is this the work of black magic?"

"That's nonsense Natsu," snapped Hiashi, his white eyes narrowing at the dead body.

Natsu glanced at Hiashi then at the body. She nodded slowly and straightened her stance. She took a step closer and her eyes inspected every inch of the body. "Do you have an answer to this, doctor?"

Sumato sighed once more, the cloth around his mouth sucked in and then out as he released a tiring breath while placing the cut muscle on a tray. "No, I don't. This whole thing," he waved at the dead body, "goes against all of the medical training I went through and quite possibly any scientific theories in the world. It's something if I dare say, out of this world."

Hiashi sighed and rubbed his temples. "Sumato," at his tone, Sumato stood a bit straighter, his chin held high, "recruit at least five more medics. Keep this body fresh to investigate on it more and run more tests. I'll try to find another body from the enemy's army. I want a report by the end of next week. Do you understand? Mijikai," the stout general looked up, "I will like the notes from this session on my desk by tomorrow afternoon. What we shared here is to be kept here and amongst ourselves unless I give permission. Do you all understand?" Everyone nodded and slowly left the downstairs room, each going their own separate way.

Natsu and Hiashi made their way to the first safe room that held Hanabi. Natsu fidgeted. She was eager to see if her daughters were safe. Hiashi glanced at her and mumbled, "They are safe, Natsu. Do not worry." Natsu slowly nodded. They arrived quickly and the soldiers tensed, awaiting the news from the battlefield.

"Hyuuga-sama," one brave soldier began, "how—how's the battlefield?" If both the king and queen were here that means they won, right?

"Do not worry, young one," Natsu placed a gentle hand on the shaken shoulder of the soldier, "we won the war. Let that be a warning to all who try to bring down the Hyuuga. We are a strong clan who rules a stronger kingdom. We would not have won if not for the soldiers who put their lives on the line; for those who had the bravery and strength to run into the unknown and the heart to beat our enemies! Remember that, young one. We are strong. You are a strong one." The soldier looked awed for a moment before nodding. At some point, maids and butlers paused whatever they were doing and focused on what their queen was saying. The words that left her mouth made their hearts swell with pride and some maids had the decency to cry.

"If you can now step aside, we will like to see how our hime-sama is doing," said Hiashi, his voice deep with authority.

The soldiers nodded and opened the heavy set of doors. There stood Hanabi, her frame shaking from the explosions and cries of pain. She ran to her okaa-san's open arms and dug her nose deep into her clothes, taking in her scent of wood and vanilla with a hint of lavender.

"O-Okaa-san, how…? Are you all alright?"

"Hush my child, everything is well. Everything is well," cooed Natsu, bring Hanabi close to her chest.

"Otou-san? A-Are you okay?"

Hiashi sighed and rubbed his temple. He took a deep breath in and was about to reply before a pressure on his chest made him pause. Hanabi hugged him tightly, her tears wetting his robes. Hiashi smiled slightly and patted her head. "I am well as well is your mother."

"And Hinata-onee-chan? Is she well?"

Natsu smiled and hugged her once more before letting her go. "That is where we are going right now. Would you like to accompany us, Hanabi-hime-sama?"

Hanabi grasped her mother's hand and nodded. "Let's go visit nee-chan."

With a strong grip, Natsu determinedly walked to the other safe room, the desire to see her eldest daughter growing in her chest. Tears sprung in her eyes when she remembered the victory call all soldiers yelled when the last enemy fell. Pride filled her chest when her people congratulated her for her wonderful and genius plan of offense and defense. Her steps quickened and she heard Hiashi match her quickening steps.

"You are eager, Natsu-koi." His tender tone made her trip, her shield of professionalism slipping. Hiashi caught her in time and he nodded before resuming their walk. "I…I do not show it but I, too, am eager to see the heir to my throne."

Natsu's head whipped to the side, her eyes widening. They've never discussed that particular subject—the heir to the throne—but Hiashi speaking about is so casually and carefree made her wonder how long her husband thought about the issue.

"Hai…it is time to retrieve our future queen."

However the happy moment vanished when they turned the corner and saw multiple bodies on the floor. Hanabi gasped and Hiashi cursed under his breath but it was Natsu that ran head first into the blown apart doors, screaming Hinata's name. Hiashi shouted orders and Natsu distinctively heard the stomping of the soldiers but the pulse of her heart drummed out the noise and her mind screamed at her to find her child—her precious child—and where is she?

"Hinata? Hinata! Hinata where are you? Hinata!" Natsu's cries slowly became desperate and hoarse, her body not knowing where to go when she already searched every inch of the room. The metal was imbedded on some parts of the wall and her logical mind was whispering, "Who can survive this kind of magnitude? The explosion was massive and no body matter can survive it if they were close and from what I'm gathering…Hinata was close." Natsu cried when she came to the realization that Hinata might have—

"Hinata is gone! Hinata is gone!"

"Oi, Hinata? Hinata wake up!"

Her vision returned little by little and her ears perked up upon hearing the distinct voice of Uzumaki-san. Slowly, with careful motion, she sat up. She felt a hand grip her lower back and slowly pushed her to an erect sitting position. A hand came up to rub her temple and for a moment she blocked out the concerning questions thrown at her. The last thing she remembered was Uzumaki-san commenting about not being able to go back to the—

She sat up straighter than her previous position and Naruto backed away slowly, hands raised in surrender.

"What d-did you mean we can't go back?" Her question was laced with fear and if he focused more on the words she stressed he could make out a bit of worry.

"W-What I mean is that I just can't. I'm not that skill to reverse-summon us."

"R-Reverse-summon…?" Hinata rubbed her forehead and Naruto swatted her hand away, concern for her overriding his logical side. She blushed from the contact but Naruto was more focused on seeing if she had a bump from when she fainted.

Naruto's mind took a while to understand what she asked and to formulate an answer. "Well what I did now was summoning, something that my clan regards as a basic technique." Naruto paused, contemplating if he should talk more about his clan. Hinata, however, knew what's about to come so she focused all of her attention on Naruto. "You see…as you know I belong to the Kurama Clan, a really big clan that has different kinds of kitsunes under its name. To explain it better, the Kurama Clan is a tree and its roots are different kitsunes, each varying from the other. It's so big that most of the kitsune that you might have encountered here belong to the Kurama Clan. Each clan specializes in specific techniques and it so happens that the Kurama Clan specializes in seals. It's a very complex thing and it's thanks to our never ending stamina, long lasting lives, and healing ability that we're the only creatures capable of such a thing.

"So because we're the renowned masters of sealing, every kitsune must learn the basics of it. Even amongst our own kind can't perfect and master every sealing technique created by our ancestors. Only the kitsune that show potential are taught more complex sealing techniques. I was only taught half of the techniques. I didn't make it to the reverse-summoning seal…"

"B-But how come? Why did you stop there?" Naruto's face fell and Hinata regretted her question.

"My clan was slaughtered so my otou-san, who was teaching me, couldn't finish my training…"

Silence loomed over them and Hinata's heart thundered. Slaughterd? His clan was slaughtered. The news that her protector and dear friend's family was slaughtered gripped her heart painfully and demanded of her to release a few tears of sadness. Who would be able to smile like him after that? Who would be able to tell jokes after that? Who, in their right mind, would be able to shine the world with their warmth after that tragedy? Tears leaked out of her eyes and she couldn't stop the sob from coming out. Naruto, who was staring at her face waiting for a reaction, nearly hugged her out of concern. Why was she crying? Was it sympathy? Was it pity?

Hinata didn't know how to display her raging emotions and she began to shake, her body not used to the overwhelming sadness. Naruto quickly grabbed her hands, his blue eyes gazing at her half-lidded watery ones and he squeezed her limped hands, hoping to help in some way. This feeling in his chest, the tightening sensation and stabbing wounds, filled his body when he saw her cheeks flush and tears descending down her cheeks. Snot was threatening to spill and Naruto, at that moment, wanted to take back what he said. Did the death of his family—the near extinction of it—brought her to tears?

"H-How…how c-c-can you smile after that? How…?" Not having time to comprehend what she just said, she lunged at him, her small and weak arms tightening around him and squeezing him close to her warm body. He was shock and frozen in his spot, his blue eyes focused on a spot behind her. He felt when she took a violent breath in before coughing and sobbing in the same time. Her petite body shook and her hair blanketed his shoulders, her body curling close to his. It was the physical contact and the sadness radiating from her that caused his eyes to water. When he witnessed the death of his clansmen and family, he didn't have time to react before he was pushed away from the scene. Blurry memories and forgotten times rose from his subconscious. He didn't have time to mourn the loss of his family before he was thrown into cruel reality. He was forced to push down the sadness and vulnerability he felt when he was just eleven years old and become a fighter in order to survive and keep his lineage alive. But here, underneath the gaze of Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, Naruto's sadness emerged. A tear fell before another and another. Slowly, he raised his arms and hugged her close, her nose touching his neck and her warm breath hitting his ear. Their limbs tighten around another and tears mixed in the soil of the earth. There, close together, two souls became one and a bond like no other was formed but yet to be discovered by the world, including themselves. Far away from the forest, the deities shifted uneasily and gazed upon one another, knowing what's to come.

"What do you mean you have yet to find her?" Hiashi's cold and harsh question lashed out on everybody present in the room. The generals, knowing Hiashi for a long time, simply bowed their heads. The other soldiers, not used to this side of him, flinched visibly. The small room was crowded by frantic soldiers and worried generals, all of them saddened that they have disappointed their king. When news reached everyone in the castle, and the whole kingdom, that Hinata-hime-sama was missing, everyone began to scout. The townspeople volunteered to look deep within the forest, carrying torches and yelling out the name of their beloved hime. But after hours of searching every mile owned by their kingdom, the hope that everyone had begun to fade. What happened to their dear hime? Surely, she had not died…has she?

When the soldiers came back to report, Hiashi demanded that they retraced their steps and to look again. By this point, the moon was high up in the sky and the sounds of nocturnal animals filled the quiet night. The generals didn't dare to question the impulsive act of their king. The heir to the Hyuuga throne was missing after an enemy attack. Hinata, who was loved by all, was missing and possibly killed. Everyone sympathized and continued to look only to delay their sadness and mourning. When morning came and yet no sign of the hime came up, the townspeople's cries were heard throughout the usually cheerful kingdom. Husbands hugged their wives close, children cried helplessly, already missing the beautiful hime. They remembered the time they first heard of their beloved Queen and hime.

When Hiashi-sama announced that his wife would not be able to attend their first event under his rule, they protested loudly. Wouldn't that be a sign of disrespect if the Queen didn't attend? After they yelled their thoughts, Hiashi-sama nodded and agreed that in normal circumstances it would be considered a rude gesture but their Queen was different. With a patience of a Hyuuga, Hiashi-sama explained that his wife, and their Queen, suffers from a weak immune system and was put under house surveillance by the orders of a doctor. He told them that if their Queen risked coming out to greet them and attend their ceremonies, Death will be close by. At first, the townspeople begrudged their Queen and judged her by her weakness. "We can't have a weak Queen," was the saying around the kingdom. But a few weeks after their ceremony, messengers from the castle came to every door step delivering goods that are considered high class. Wine, bread, cheese, meat, and silk amongst other things were wrapped neatly in woven baskets. Tagged to the baskets was a note that was written in the most beautiful calligraphy they've ever seen. Their Queen apologizes for being so weak and that she wishes that she can help in another manner. If they are bothered by something, come to the castle and talk to me, said the note. Since most townspeople were illiterate, they turned to the kingdom's librarian who read the note to nearly a mass of a thousand people. Shock that a Queen of high power would personally send goodies such as these, the kingdom's residents began to praise their Hyuuga Natsu-dono.

When word that Hyuuga Hinata-hime-sama was born, the townspeople rejoiced the birth of a healthy baby girl but when Hiashi, once again, announced that their hime had also caught the illness of their dear Queen, they became saddened that their hime would also not be able to attend the ceremonies they held. It was possibly around the age eight that Hinata also began to send small gifts to everybody in the kingdom. It was small childish creating's that accompanied the Queen's gifts of wine, bread, meat, etc. It warmed the people's hearts that the young hime would do so much for people she will probably never see. Hinata didn't know the impact she began to make outside her castle walls. How little by little, her people began to see her in high regard and praise her name every time they had a chance to. She was the topic of most conversations amongst little kids. The younger generation would boast what Hinata-hime-chan gave them and that they would one day become a knight for their hime. The girls would giggle while the boys would blush. Dreamily, the girls would mutter how they'll become the hime's personal maids and possibly become best friends with the hidden beauty.

So when the husbands came back the next day with sorrowful faces, their family knew that something terrible must have happened. They wept and prayed that the Hyuuga family would be able to handle their loss.

There was only another time that the castle has ever been in a dark and gray state. It was the day that Hinata was born. The Queen was happy yet worried and scared when she announced she was pregnant. People knew how delicate their Natsu-sama was so when they heard the news they didn't know whether they should be happy or scared. Pregnancy was a heavy burden and the cause of most deaths for mothers while delivering their child. The percentage of both the child and mother dying was extremely high and they worried that Natsu, already weak as she was, would not make it. But Natsu was confident in that time. She would say that her child would be born strong, like her father. "Her, my queen?" the young maids would ask who usually gathered around her to touch her rounded belly. The older maids had a certain twinkle in their eyes when they heard their Queen say that. "Yes, she would be strong." But when the time came to deliver the next heir, the screams of the Queen were heard throughout the castle. Maids were huddled close and prayed those eight hours of delivery, hoping that their Queen will make it. After Hinata was born, Natsu lay beaten and out of breath but she glowed in a way that left most people speechless. This little woman just gave birth, something that would usually kill most women who also suffer from a weak immune system. The midwife congratulated her and Hiashi took her side, holding her hand and telling her that their daughter was beautiful. When they didn't get their baby right away, they questioned what was wrong. Many specialists and doctors were there to observe the birth and were given the task to save the life of the Queen if it was in danger. "We're worried that your daughter might be sick as well, Natsu-sama, Hiashi-sama." The doctors avoided their gaze and Natsu shakily asked how they will know. "We can run some tests if you like. We do advice to keep Hinata-hime-sama in a safe and warm environment." That's when fear clawed its way into Natsu. The doctor ordered for her to stay in bed for two to three weeks so Natsu was immobile and pampered by all. But despite all the attention, she would gaze longingly at baby Hinata, worried what the results would be. Two days after Hinata's birth, Hiashi came into her room at night and gazed at his family. Natsu was hugging Hinata close who was asleep and cuddled close to her okaa-chan's warmth. Hiashi hesitated. He didn't want to ruin this moment. This beautiful moment that both wife and daughter are oblivious to life's cruel game. Feeling nervousness for the first time in years, Hiashi approached carefully and Natsu glanced up, the bags underneath her eyes enhancing her light lavender eyes. From the look on his face, Natsu kissed Hinata's forehead, preparing to hear the news. "Koi…Hinata inherited your genes…Gomennasi…Gomennasi…" At first Natsu didn't move but little by little tears descended down her cheeks. Her body shook and she cried.

Last night was a blur to the Hyuuga family. Hiashi ordered at least a dozen soldiers to scout the area and not to report back till they found at least a trace of his missing daughter. The soldiers and generals were in a state of shock and confusion. There were at least thirty soldiers posted here and they were all taken down. But taken down by what? What kind of force was able to bring down all thirty soldiers? They obliged and followed the orders of Hiashi-sama, deciding that it was also a great opportunity to escape the suffocating atmosphere. Natsu was still shock, not moving an inch after yelling out her daughter's name. Her mind kept screaming at her that she lost her eldest one, the one she was closest too and understood her more than anyone else. She lost the gift the gods bestowed on her and her soul cried in agonizing pain when she realized that she couldn't protect her daughter. She didn't think her defensive plans through, not enough to protect her daughter. She didn't consider adding more troops because she was too at ease. She was stupid. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Her knees buckled and she fell, her skin tearing from the debris on the floor. She yelled and curled into herself. It was her fault. It was her fault. It was her fault. She barely noted when Hanabi reached her side and also cried. She felt Hiashi place a trembling hand on her shoulder. Her eyes shut tightly and she parted her lips to let out her frustration and sadness. It was too much for her body.

She blacked out.

But now the cries of the Queen were worse. The mourning was heard in those deep wrenching, soul shattering screams that came from her room. She denied any request to enter, including her nakama. She wanted to be alone and allow herself to drown in her own depression and sadness. She failed in the role of a mother. She let this happen. Hinata was under her guidance and she let this happen. It was because of Natsu that Hinata was now gone ("Dead, she's dead," corrected her conscious. "Don't be stupid and ignore the clues. She's dead.")

"Stop," whimpered Natsu, a hand coming up to grip her greasy and messy indigo hair, "please…she can't be dead…my baby girl…my Hinata-chan…"

"She's dead, Natsu. You're smarter than this."

It's been like this for a while now. She was sure that she caught the fever and the flu. Dizziness overtook her body constantly and she couldn't walk pass three feet before collapsing. She refused to let in the maids to aid her and it was a matter of time before Hiashi barged in, not caring if he splinters the expensive, wooden door. She licked her chapped lips and winced when her tongue accidently licked over a cut. Her throat was parched and her body couldn't sustain itself anymore. She let herself drown and it was a welcoming sensation.

"Just let it go. She's gone, Natsu. There's no use in crying."

"Yes, you may be right but you're also wrong." She was tired. She was completely and utterly tired of hearing that her daughter died. It was true that her body has yet to be found but deep down inside Natsu, she had a feeling her daughter was alive.

"How am I wrong?"

"The explosion was massive, yes, and it was able to dent and destroy the metal doors but it wasn't strong enough to turn the soldiers into ash and thus, couldn't exactly kill Hinata. Hinder her, maybe yes, but not killing her. Maybe she has a few first degree burns and god forbid second but she did not die. If she were caught in the explosion then we should have found her burned body in that room or outside, depending on the magnitude. But did we found anything? No, we didn't." A fire burned brightly in her lavender eyes and determination laced her statement, knowing that she had enough proof to back her up. Strength was revived within her and she clenched her fist, satisfied when she heard the cracking of her knuckles. She began to gain control of her body and a smirk grace her features.

Her mind became quiet, not being able to argue. She had a lot to talk about with the council and her husband. Thinking about her Hiashi, she calculated the time he'll let her mourn and five days were the estimated guess. She strained her ears and began to sit up when she heard pounding feet going towards her room. She was still dizzy, yes, and ill too but now she had a purpose to keep going.

The doors to her room burst open and Hiashi appeared before her, furious with eyes blazing with a hot fire. He was surprised when he saw Natsu standing, he noted the shaking of her legs and the hand on the wall, and was by her side in a blink.

"Natsu, you are ill. I did not think that you'll catch a sickness but now—"

"We have no time for this Hiashi." When she saw the pleading look hidden deep within his white eyes, she gave in. "Fine. Send a few maids up and two to three doctors so I can have a physical examination. But after that, we will get down to business and we will find our daughter."

Amaterasu-O-Mi-Kami gave a longing gaze to The Land of the Legends and sent a wave of heat to awaken all of the beings from their slumber. Content that her job has already started, she sat back amongst the clouds in the sky and watched with a calculative gaze how the world upon her woken.

The warmth of the sun's rays reached Naruto quickly and he flinched, the desire to stay and cuddle close to the softness beside him overrode the desire to wake up. But sadly his body became energized quickly and with a groan, sat up. He stretched and ran a hand through his hair, the spell of sleep slipping away like the wind. His eyes snapped open, more alert, and turned to his right to see Hinata-sama cuddled close to his side and sleeping contently. She looked tired and worn out, possibly because they cried all night. He still remembers the warmth she provided while hugging him close to her body. He remembers the curves underneath his palms when he placed them around her waist, bringing her closer. He had the desire of becoming one with her, the need to feel her closer and to drown in her warmth and fragrance. He blushed when he remembered the feeling of her breasts pressed against his chest. The softness and curiosity nearly drove him into making a bad decision that he'll surely regret in the future. But his body spoke of another point of view. This feeling was driving him crazy. Maybe it was just the primal desire that every women and men have. Maybe.

He scratched his cheek and stood up, bending down to touch his toes and twisting his torso to crack his back. His tail twitched and his ear strained to hear anything unusual. Nothing was heard. He fingered his katana and checked if he had all of his scrolls. His eyes looked over the forest and his brows furrowed. Now what? He couldn't reverse-summon them back to the castle and he couldn't keep her for a long time. She had to go back to her family sooner than later. Panic was overriding his system and he cursed mentally. Why did he make such an impulsive act?

"Remember to think before do, Naruto. It'll help a lot." A warm smile flashed before his eyes and he blinked, wanting to forget the memories of his tou-san before he started to cry. Rubbing his eyes, he took a step and decided to formulate a few plans.

"I will get you back, Hinata-sama." He turned around and gazed at her longer than what was necessary. The feeling returned and he found himself liking it more and more. "That's a promise, dattebayo."

A few hours later, when the sun was high up in the sky, Hinata's eyes fluttered open revealing tinted red lavender eyes that were slightly swollen. Feeling worn down, she slowly sat up, a hand coming up to rub off the sleep in her eyes. She took in her surrounding and grew panic when she didn't see Uzumaki-san. However, her worries were for not when said kitsune jumped from the tree behind her and landed in front of her. Shrieking as if she just saw her life flash before her eyes, she curled away before pouting when Uzumaki-san began to laugh.

"Did I scare you, Hinata-sama?" Naruto smiled widely. It was nice to joke around with someone once again.

Hinata didn't want to admit it but he did. She opted to shake her head and tried to stand up but failed. Her legs gave out and she closed her eyes, waiting for the impact of dirt and rocks. Instead, a pair of arms encircled around her waist and her back was leaning against a hard chest.

"Be careful, Hinata-sama. I don't want you getting hurt." His statement was said close to her ear and the sudden heat near her ear made her shiver. She blushed heavily when she noted how close they were and slowly inched her way out of his embrace.

Naruto frowned when his mind screamed to have her back in his arms. He shrugged it off.

"A-Arigatou, Uzumaki-san."

"Eh? Uzumaki-san? What happened to 'Naruto-san'?" Naruto smiled cheekily when he saw her duck her head.

"I-I-I-I"

"Hai, hai, I get it. Take your time but just remember that Naruto-san sounds way better than Uzumaki-san. It makes me feel old." He scrunched up his face and Hinata couldn't help but laugh. Naruto smiled. Her laughter sounded like chiming bells and water running over rocks, soothing to his very soul. His face became serious and Hinata stopped laughing. He motioned for her to get closer and she inched her way to his warmth that he involuntarily radiates out. He took in a deep breath and gazed into her eyes. "It was stupid of me to summon us here of all places but I didn't exactly have time to put seals in your castle. Gomen. Anyway, I came up with a few plans to get us out of here. One, we can try to find a seal master but I doubt we'll be able to find one considering that they're rare and probably at the other side of the world." Hinata frowned. Naruto continued with a frown on his face as well. "Second, and I'm a bit reluctant to follow this one, is to go to my clan's compound." Hinata's eyes widened. His clan's compound…? Seeing her gaze, he sighed and scratched his head. "Hai. You see, I'm sure our family scrolls survived the slaughtering because it was sealed in an underground storage underneath our shrine. The enemy wasn't targeting our secrets." His face hardened and he spit out the venomous statement. Hinata, out of concern for him, laid a hand on his tense shoulder. The touch sent shock waves throughout his body and his muscles relaxed. He smiled without knowing and Hinata was trapped under his dark and heated gaze. He blinked and the spell was broken.

"Uzumaki-san, I won't force you to go back to your family compound," Hinata said softly, her hand going back to her side. However, she was reluctant to continue. Yes, she didn't want to bring him any discomfort but if that was the only way to go back to her castle and home—Kami-sama forgive her—then she'll be willing to travel to the deserted and haunted clan compound. She didn't voice out her thoughts, not wishing to bring any heavy weight upon her friend's shoulders. It was up to him and she'll follow whatever he says. After all, he knew this world and the studies of seals better than her.

Naruto contemplated what Hinata just said. He heard the concern in her words but underneath the concern was a bit of hope that he'll agree. He couldn't blame her. The idea that there was some way to go back home brought her hopes up high and he didn't want to disappoint, did he? He'll push aside his own personal concerns and focus on taking her back home. It was his fault after all and he was his protector. He mentally shook his head. It wasn't about his role as his protector, he thought, but more that he wanted to take her back home because he knew it'll make her happy. Maybe it was because she was the first person he let inside his heart in a long time. He nodded. Yeah, maybe that was it. But deep inside him, a part of him that he thought never existed, whispered viciously that that wasn't the reason. He wanted to please her and keep her smiling or laughing. He pushed it aside and decided to focus on the present. He had two jobs now. Protect her with his life and take her back home.

"Well, we should start going then. It's a month's journey, considering where we are. The quicker we get there, the faster I can take you back home. Think you'll be able to handle it, Hinata-sama?" He strapped his katana tightly and he turned around to regard her.

Hinata paused. This—this was an adventure she longed for ever since she was told she couldn't walk pass the castles walls. The idea that she'll be walking through the forest with exotic animals and dangers lurking in every corner made her whole body buzz with excitement. Yes, she will go through this and survive. She'll do it for her kaa-chan, who was deprived of this adventure. She will do it for Naruto-san, who pushed aside his own personal conflicts in order to take her back home. But most importantly, she'll do it for herself because she strived for freedom and finally, finally, she'll be writing her own story.

"H-Hai, let's go…Naruto-san."

He smiled brightly. "Hai."

The maids rushed in when Hiashi called upon them, eager and worried about their Natsu-sama. When they took in her state, they gasped and immediately gathered bath products and gently pushed her towards the bathroom for a much needed warm and bubbly bath. Natsu obliged with a smile, wanting to please what she came to see as a family. The maids took care of their Queen as if she was a rare and glass made doll, which most people would agree that she was. After the much needed cleanse and talk—a distraction, that's all it was—the three doctors that Hiashi personal selected were already waiting for her in her room. She let them examined her body and ask her questions yet her keen eyes caught on the tense shoulders and the careful wording. She knew that they were being careful not to mention Hinata's disappearance. After all, that was the cause of her lock down. After the examination and the doctors explained to Hiashi that everything was well, Natsu requested a meeting with The Council. Hiashi gazed at her for a few seconds before nodding, not questioning her decision. Natsu never requests for a meeting with the council unless it was necessary. The last time, if he recalls correctly, she requested for a meeting she managed to stop a war between the Hyuuga Kingdom and a nearby kingdom. So when she asked for one when the doctors left, he didn't hesitate.

Now they all sat together—The Council on one side and Hiashi and Natsu on the other side—staring each other down. If there was one government system that lacked union, it was the Hyuuga system. The council consisted of the older generation from both the Hyuuga clan and clans from the kingdom. In the beginning, it only consisted of three to four Hyuuga elders but it quickly changed under the rule of Hiashi's father. At first there were protests from the elders. It was a foolish idea from the younger generation, they would mumble under their breath. But Hiashi, as a teen, quickly took note that they si mply didn't want to share the power with some commoners. After a few years of persuasion and different contracts, the elders finally gave in.

And now, Hiashi can say that the relations between council and King were better than it was twenty years ago. Not so much but he can only hope that it will get better under Hinata's rule.

"You have requested for a meeting?" asked Arakaki Hoshi, one of the only two females in the council and belonging to the Arakaki Clan who own and cared for the only shrine in the Hyuuga Kingdom. Her usually long, black hair was tied up in a bun and her tan skin was hidden underneath a large and simple kimono. Her light brown eyes stared at Hiashi and Natsu with a quirked eyebrow. If she remembers correctly, the last time the council got together so abruptly was to stop a war that had yet to begun. If she learned anything from the last meeting was to never underestimate Hyuuga Natsu-sama.

Hiashi glanced at Natsu and Natsu cleared her throat. "I will like to know what your thoughts are of Hyuuga Hinata's disappearance."

"Disappearance, Natsu-sama? If I remembered correctly, you didn't find a body so I just assumed that Hyuuga-san was dead," responded quickly Hyuuga Yuzuki, one of the few who didn't support Hinata's ideals and being the next Hyuuga Head.

"Maa, maa, Yuzuki-kun, you shouldn't speak so viciously about our next ruler." Not like his nii-san, Hyuuga Yoshiko was a big supporter of Hinata. Many Hyuuga members would comment that if anyone found someone gayer than Hyuuga Yoshiko that they'll personally pay that person 23,633 yen ($200).

Yuzuki scowled but pressed his lips tightly when he saw Natsu's and Hiashi's glare. They weren't blind to see the dislike Yuzuki had towards their daughter.

"What exactly happened?" questioned Kobashigawa Souta, a heavily built man whose short, brown hair was messy and whose black eyes were wide with curiosity and horror. The Kobashigawa Clan took care of the fields and farming that was located just outside of the Hyuuga Kingdom. The news of Hinata's disappearance had yet to arrive to the farms.

Natsu seemed to pause and her body shook. In that moment, vulnerability took over and she seemed to be out of breath. Hiashi took notice of her short breathes and answered for his wife, hoping to Kami that she'll be able to control herself. Of all places to show her weakness, it shouldn't be here in front of The Council. "Souta-sama, there was an attack in the Hyuuga Castle and somehow the enemy was able to go through the thirty soldiers we posted in front of the safe room that kept Hinata away from the battle."

"Are you sure she disappeared? Have you scouted the area?" Souta asked once again, worried for the hime-sama.

"The best of my clan were part of the scouting team and I could guarantee you that we found no traces of Hinata-sama," responded Fujikawa Mayu, the other female of the council, and whose clan was in charge of hunting and bringing back game. Her tall body and broad shoulders made her stand out along with her short white hair that was currently braided and her loose kimono. Her sharp, green eyes took in her surroundings and the scar on her cheek had many people curious on what's the story behind it.

"My apology, Mayu-san, but this is news to me." Souta leaned back, astounded that something so big happened in these few days and he barely knew about it now.

"I believe that the enemy must have taken her. Perhaps they are asking for war?" questioned Hyuuga Nori, an old-fashioned elder that liked to follow the rules and sneered at the newer generations ideas. He, too, was an anti-supporter of Hinata's.

"That can be a possibility," piped in Hyuuga Masaru, who mostly kept to himself and rarely spoke in meetings.

"But that can't be!" shouted Hyuuga Sayuri, the shortest amongst the Hyuuga. Despite his small frame, he carried the biggest temper anyone has ever seen. "Who would dare go against the Hyuuga nowadays?"

"Many actually," answered Jin Takehiko, father of Mijikai-senshi. His whiskers were graying with every minute and his long, white beard reached his thighs. The Jin Clan had descendants who were brilliant and participated in every war in Japanese history. Their military heritage is rumored to have started under the reign ofWakamikenu no Mikoto, the first emperor of Japan."New kingdoms are being born and clans that haven't heard of the Hyuuga might be tempted to attack. With each passing day, newer and stronger enemies are being created without us knowing and they may have weapons or ideas that can overwhelm us. We shouldn't ease up so quickly." The withered Takehiko looked to his side, his squinted eyes questioning. "What do you think nii-sama?"

Jo Takahiro closed his eyes, his long white hair brushed back, and his shaking, bony hands laid flat on the wooden table. "Do we have any reports from the enemy?" His voice was quiet and barely above a whisper but it carried out in the huge room. The Jo Clan was one of the first clans to live in the Hyuuga Kingdom and has personally built the Hyuuga Castle along with the rest of the houses and buildings that are now inhabited by the residents of the Hyuuga Kingdom. A long time ago, The Jo and Jin Clan's heads were comrades in war and later found each other while traveling. It was destiny when the two comrades bumped into each other during their travel because they then formed a bond that was never to be reckoned with. Since then both clans never left each other's side.

Hiashi hesitated and The Council quickly took note of it. Natsu, by then, has calmed down and now looked at Hiashi, waiting for his answer. "Hai, we have reports of the enemy. It seems that the enemy carried a different set of weapons than what we had and we were forced to use level two weapons."

"What!" shouted Sayuri, "Why level two? We don't use those unless it's absolutely necessary."

"It was necessary in that time," said Natsu, her eyes staring down at Sayuri for his outburst. "We were losing a battle and soldiers were dying quicker than we can blink. We had to take drastic measures."

"What kind of weapons did the enemy use?" asked Takehiko, his eyes interested.

"There were abnormal, weapons we've never seen before. They used canons that shouldn't be mobile and devices that shoot out fire. But the oddest thing was that once an enemy was killed their body immediately disappeared."

This caused a million questions to fire upon him. Hiashi was already tired and in any minute he was going to snap. Feeling his ever growing frustration, Natsu boldly placed her hand on his and smiled shyly. Hiashi smiled tiredly back.

"Council, if you can let us finish?" questioned Natsu with a bit of steel. The elders immediately seized their curiosity. "No bodies were found except one. Our own Sumato-sama did an autopsy and found that the body was already dead. Weeks before, as said by him."

It was quiet. It was an expected reaction. Who would easily believe that nonsense?

"Are you joking with us, Natsu-sama?" seethed Mayu.

"I am not joking, Mayu-sama. What I am telling you are facts that our own doctors and scientists have found.

"But that shouldn't be real. It shouldn't exist. It goes beyond the beliefs of Kami-sama…beyond science," whispered Hoshi.

"You called for us just to sprout us nonsense? I believe we are wasting our time, councilmen." Yuzuki was about to stand up before his onii-sama grabbed his arm.

"But we must take into account what was just said to us, nii-sama." For once, Yoshiko wasn't smiling. His tone wasn't cheerful but a seriousness that stopped Yuzuki from ripping his arm from his grasp. "The enemy, if the reports are correct and we must trust in our family, disappeared after being killed. They found just one body and that within itself is odd. Why? Because if the reports are correct that the enemy's body disappeared after being shot by our weapons then why did we find just that body? Why did we find just one body if the body was supposed to disappear after it was killed?"

"I believe I know where your train of thought is going," said Masaru, once again surprising the council and King and Queen. "It is odd we found just one body. What did we found out? That the body was already rotting. We only have a limited time to do tests on the body before our only source and link to the unknown enemy completely rots away. And I believe that the enemy knew this, of course. It's as if the enemy was tangling a piece of meat in front of us and once we got close to it, they yanked it away. We will come close to the truth but not quite."

Everyone took in their observation and slowly it all made sense.

"Then we must do tests quickly," demanded Takahiro, wanting to solve this confusing puzzle. How can the dead walking amongst the living?

"We will, Takahiro-sama." Hiashi bowed and mentally noted to get more doctors and scientists.

"I do have a question," Nori said. "Does this mean that enemy took Hinata-sama? Will this cause war?"

"Did you not hear what was just said," responded Souta, finally grasping what was going on. "This enemy is not from our world. This enemy is something else."

"Hai but that doesn't mean that they didn't have a purpose. They didn't steal anything or tried to, if what you're telling us is true. So why attack so suddenly? There is a reason to everything and that reason was to kidnap Hinata."

"I believe you are right, Nori-sama." Natsu said before glancing at Hiashi. "It doesn't matter where this enemy came from but if they did kidnap Hinata then they will ask for ransom anytime soon. If we don't receive any word then we will take matters into our hands and scout the southern side of Japan without causing suspicion to our neighboring don't need them to know that we are weak. Is there anything else, councilmen?" Astounded on how quickly she resolved a big matter, The Council had nothing else to object or say. "The meeting has finished. Thank you for your time." Little by little, the council left. Yoshiko was playfully asking Yuzuki how much longer till he takes out the stick from his ass and Souta shyly approached Mayu, asking how her clan was. Masaru mumbled to Hoshi how her shrine was doing and that he's planning to stop by pretty soon. Takahiro smiled when Takehiko began a long explanation what will happen on the next celebration. Sayuri was surprisingly ranting to a stoic Nori who nodded when necessary.

Natsu smiled when she saw the departing council. It seemed that when Hinata rules, The Council won't give her much trouble. 'I hope so,' thought Natsu while moving out of the room, Hiashi at her side.

"Are you okay, koi?" whispered Hiashi once they arrived to their private headquarters.

"I am fine. Just a bit light headed and weak." There's no point in lying to her worried husband.

"Then you must rest. Will you like me to ask for a doctor?"

"Iie, I will do fine with a bit of rest and the herbal tea they made for me." Without asking to, Hiashi left the room with the bag of herbs that was beside their futon and asked one of the maids he bumped into if they can prepare the tea and bring it to their rooms. The maid, of course, nodded quickly and took the bag from his hands to prepare the tea. Returning to their room, Hiashi found that Natsu was already undressing and putting on a silk and woolen gown. For a moment, he stood silent and appreciated the view of his beautiful wife, a side that only he sees. Her smooth, pale skin tempted him to approach and feel the smoothness underneath his fingers. He shook his head and approached behind her, helping her into the gown. Right now wasn't the time to romance with his wife, not with Hinata missing and somewhere that wasn't within these walls. It worried him how much time Hinata has to live. Her weak body couldn't probably support the emotions she was feeling in this moment and without proper care, she'll die quicker. The thought of his daughter dying made him clench the silk of his wife's gown. His heart dropped and for a moment he felt a sting in his eyes and a tight ball form in his throat. Natsu, sensing her husband's emotions, placed a quivering hand on top of his own and squeezed reassuringly. They both knew they had a few weeks or days before Hinata dies due to improper care. They will found her, they thought as they heard a knock on their door. They will not let her die.

Hinata rubbed her temple when she felt a painful throb. Of course, she didn't mention to Uzumaki-san the slowly yet ever growing headache she began to have the day they began to travel. She cursed the weak immune system she had since birth. It was a burden that will surely drag them down but Hinata was stronger than what her physic let out on. She will not bring down Uzumaki-san or let this stop her from traveling the unknown. It was a risk she will be willing to take.

So deep into her thoughts that she didn't notice the weed sticking out from the ground and her bare foot got caught. To her utter horror, the floor was approaching faster than she thought. She squeezed her eyes shut but, yet again, a pair of arms caught her. She heard a deep rumble coming from the chest she was leaning against and she couldn't help but flush.

"This is the second time you tripped, Hinata-sama. You sure you're okay?" It was said in a playful tone but the concern was still evident.

"H-Hai, I'm okay." Naruto didn't bother to point out her already pale face. Her white, plain dress was already stained from the tall grass they had to walk through and scratches were littered here and there from being caught from low branches. He shrugged and continued on his way, not noting how Hinata bent over to massage her dirtied feet. When he didn't hear any footsteps coming from his friend, he turned around and was amused when he saw her sitting down, massaging her feet.

'She looks so tired and weak,' he thought, concern shining in his eyes. They had a tight schedule to follow but he couldn't find it in his heart to keep pushing her. He watched as Amaterasu, Kami of the sun, left before being replaced by her onii-sama. It was getting late but they can still cover more ground. Flashes of her little fever back in the castle flashed in his mind and he decided to camp here for the night. He focused on his hearing and in the northeastern direction the sound of an empty cave caught his attention. Nodding, he went to Hinata's side and picked her up without thinking. He nearly laughed when he heard her squeal but otherwise focused energy on his feet.

"Hold on, Hinata-sama." Without a warning, he sprinted towards the direction of the cave. He felt his kimono being gripped tightly and he feared that in any time, her small hands will manage to rip out a piece of a fabric. Arriving quickly, he placed the shaking girl on the floor and she nearly collapse if he didn't encircle an arm around her waist. He began to trudge towards the empty cave, Hinata leaning against him heavily. He picked her up once more and grew concerned when she didn't make any noise. He looked down to see her passed out, her face pale. Concerned, he sat down and brought her close to his chest. His beating heart quickened and his throat tightened. Was she okay? He brought her closer, her head resting on his shoulder and her uneven breathes hitting his vulnerable neck. His hands began to rub her arms, hoping that the heat he had will transfer to her. He sighed when he saw bit of color return to her cheeks and he let his head rest against the rocky walls. His gaze landed on Tsukiyomi, Kami of the moon, who was sending the moon's light in every direction. His blue eyes involuntarily began to close. Before his body shut down, he managed to feel how Hinata's body moved closer to his. And if he wasn't already so tired, he could have heard the content sight that escaped her lips.

Amaterasu was ruthless this morning, the heat traveling to the end of the cool cave. Naruto groaned, already hating this morning. A slight movement in his arms caught his attention and he reluctantly opened his eyes to glance down. Pressing against him tightly was Hinata and a blush involuntarily spread on his cheeks. He wanted to gaze at the rocks or the trees or the sunlight blanketing his feet but his eyes refused to move. He stared intently at Hinata's sleeping face and a finger came up to caress her soft and pink cheek. She flinched in her sleep and he pulled back quickly but sighed softly when she turned to dig her head deeper into his chest. He bent down and sniffed her, memorized by her delicious aroma.

"She is perfect. She is mine." Something primal took over him and his pupils turned to slits. He disregarded personal boundaries and let his nose run slowly over her soft cheek, stopping for a moment to smell her. She smiled softly and gripped his kimono in response. His long and sharp nail traced her soft and plum looking pink lips. It traveled from her chin to her forehead to her nose and he smiled softly when she twitched once again and sneezed. He brought her closer and growled deeply when he felt her breasts press up against his broaden chest. His eyes traveled from her chest—rising up and down, for a moment distracted—to her legs. During the night her white, pure dress bunched up to her mid-thigh—his eyes glazed over—and he placed a hand on her thigh. He began to rub it slowly, delicately, relishing the feeling of her soft skin underneath his calloused hand. He was tempted to push her dress up a bit more—a hot pulse ran through his body—and to do so much more. He felt his nails lengthen and his ears buzz from his erratic heartbeat. His tail swish rapidly from side to side and in a moment of daze and heat, his nails scratched the sleeping hime. She gasped and it all vanished.

Naruto gasped, his senses returning little by little. What was that? It was a foreign lust, a foreign need that invaded his body. The hot liquid that filled his veins and that clouded his mind left him wanting more, wanting more of her. An inexplicable reason to kiss her lips filled his mind and suddenly it didn't seem so bad to have her so close to his body. He shook, his fingers twitching, and he stood up abruptly. Forgetting that Hinata was on his lap, she fell and squealed awake. He quickly reached her side when he saw her wince and rubbing her bottom.

"Ah! Gomen ne, Hinata! I didn't mean to! I mean, I didn't want you getting hurt and I'm so sorry—!"

"Eh…what…what happened? W-What are you talking about, Uzumaki-san?" she questioned, her gaze meeting his anxious ones.

"I…I uh…I just didn't mean to drop you, is all." He lamely scratched the back of his head and took a good precautious step backwards.

Hinata, not noticing the tense atmosphere, stood up with unsteady legs and leaned against the rocky walls. She closed her eyes and tried to ignore the throbbing headache and her uncooperative body. She fisted her hands and bit her lip to stop herself from sobbing. It hurt. It hurt so badly that any moment she'll faint from the pain. The world, she quickly took notice, wasn't afraid of attacking her weak immune system and her fragile body. Maybe it was a bad idea to travel so far away with Uzumaki-san. It was a foolish thing to believe that she'll be able to make a month's travel. For a moment, she believed in her body and that it will not fail her but she should have known better than to underestimate luck. She shouldn't have ignored the years she was trapped behind the castle walls because now she understood why her otou-sama did it. But was she foolish to believe in a hope that maybe she'll make it? Was it really foolish of her to believe for once in her life that she didn't carry a body that will kill her instantly if she so much stepped outside? Was it a fool's belief that she'll be able to live through a wild adventure that she's read in multiple books? She wanted this but her body said differently. Any given moment she'll give out and she'll die here, far away from her family.

She looked at Uzumaki-san from the corner of her eyes. 'Uzumaki-san doesn't know…' she thought bitterly. Should she tell him?

Naruto's been analyzing her very still form from a good distance away and when he saw her down casted eyes he stepped into her view.

"Oi, Hinata-sama, are you okay? Do you need help or….?" Damn it. He shouldn't have offered because that'll mean being really close to her and he didn't know if he'll be able to handle her so close right now. Not when he just been through something that left him with mix emotions.

"Iie, iie, I don't…need help," she huffed out while waving her hands. She could make it. She'll keep walking till her body gives out and—she glanced at Uzumaki-san quickly—she won't tell her friend. What's the point of worrying over silly her?

Tsukiyomi quickly took his onee-sama's place. He settled in and began a long and complex wave of his hands, sending a gentle but cool breeze throughout the land and making sure the moon's light reached every corner if possible. Under his gaze he watched as the two travelers made their way through the forest and quickly reached Shi no Tani.

Naruto paused his walking and his ear twitched, trying to catch some kind of noise to indicate where they were. Since they resumed their journey, Naruto made sure to keep his fair amount of distance from Hinata. What happened in the morning kept replaying in his mind and a blush will dust his tan cheeks. It was a foreign yet welcoming feeling and that's what bothered him so much. This lust and need to be close to his female human friend has never happened in his life and not once has he experienced this heat that traveled through his body and that left him shaking like a leaf caught in the winds. It worried him greatly about this new found emotion. Kitsunes were known for some things: one, they were known for being seal masters; two, The Land of Legends and Earth knew of their great power and strength and made sure to surrender when encountered by a kitsune; three, their long-lasting life, stamina, and healing ability; and finally the last but least known, their emotions. They were easily swayed by the easiest tease or playful words. They were impulsive. They cried easily. They anger quickly. They love to play. They hate to be ignored. They were unique for their emotions and care. But when The Dark Times came—a time when their Elders decided to bow before the humans—all that was left of their unique emotions were fear. There was a great protest when The Elders suggested this plan when an unknown enemy appeared and with every passing night one kitsune went missing only to be found a few days later dead. It was this unknown fear that drove The Kurama Clan to agree with their Elders. A huge mistake if Naruto can say anything about it. If only he could go back in time to change things. If he could only change the past then he won't be having the memories of that night haunting him.

He sighed suddenly and turned around to see Hinata heaving, bent down with her hands on her knees. Concern swept over him and he felt himself walking towards her. Too quickly for his taste, he arrived by her side and placed a gentle hand on her back and felt the rise and fall of her breathing. She coughed suddenly and collapsed.

"Hinata!" yelled Naruto, instantly cradling her close to his chest. He placed a palm on her sweaty and hot forehead and he nearly hissed. "She has a…fever?" he asked himself in bewilderment. "How did that happen? Oh, what do I do?!" Naruto paused his constant questioning. Worrying over her won't get him anywhere or help her in any kind. "Remember to think before do, Naruto. It'll help a lot." Naruto smiled suddenly. "Hai, I will tou-san. Arigatou."

Giving her some of his blood was immediately thrown out of the wagon. The kitsune blood had a strong chemical formula that not many people can withstand so it was a wonder how and why the kitsune were able to live for such a long time. All their lives they've lived alone and isolated from the rest, a neutral clan that made sure to keep away from the politics of the other clans and wars. They had no desire to start bloodshed despite having the power to end it quicker than a blink. It was no wonder that they didn't bother to investigate more about their strength or DNA except the seals (the seals will always be taught in every generation as requested and written by their ancestors). But that day of oblivion ended when sudden disappearances of kitsune's began to happen and their dead bodies appeared the next day. They knew they were strong but they followed a code of conduct not to attack unless it was absolutely necessary. So when they saw how easily their own ken was slayed by this unknown enemy they were worried. Who was stronger than The Kurama Clan? It was because they didn't bother to seek more about The Land of Legends that they were out of the loop and thus didn't have any leads to this new mystery. They signed the contract with the humans a few weeks after when it finally sunk in that, yes, there was something stronger than them out there.

It was a faithful day that a kitsune was fighting alongside their master that a sudden attack not seen by the almighty kitsune hit a vital point of his human master. Terrified of death, the human warrior demanded that the kitsune tried to save him. In the middle of a war and flying weapons, bleeding and sweating, the kitsune didn't know how to react. It was by luck that this kitsune began to shake his head and a drop of blood landed on the parted lips of the fallen human. Disgusted, the human tried to spit it out but instead swallowed. All of a sudden, strength returned to his body and his wound began to heal. Right in front of his eyes, the kitsune saw how a mere human was able to heal in an unbelievably rate like The Kurama Clan. When the kitsune returned home, he rushed to report to The Elders on this new discovery. Amazed by this new piece of information, The Elder requested that the kitsune investigated more about it and report back. A civil war began and the same human warrior summoned his kitsune slave. The human warrior, learning from his first near fatal attack, was fearless and attacked without thinking. His cockiness got the better of him and a spear pierced his lung. In pain but not worried, he called upon his kitsune slave and demanded to have another drop of his blood. Having to follow orders, the kitsune obliged but then something terrible happened. Instead of getting healed and to live another day, the human warrior convulsed and his eyes rolled to the back of his head. A stream of blood appeared at the ends of his mouth and the kitsune knew that his fallen master has passed. Quickly, he sealed the dead body and reverse-summoned himself to the compound. It was later that the results were announced publically. The kitsune blood can heal anybody outside of our clan but only once, The Elder announced. This became a written law and has been drilled into the minds of young kitsune's. So, obviously, Naruto couldn't give Hinata another drop of his blood.

Maybe he can make an herbal tea? Glancing around his surroundings, Naruto found a clearing hidden behind some large bushes and surrounded by large trees whose leaves obscure the night sky. Placing Hinata gently against a nearby tree trunk, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and, without thinking much about it, kissed her sweaty forehead. He licked her sweat from his lips and smiled sadly. "I'll cure you, Hinata, don't worry." He caressed her cheek once more before leaving to find some useable leaves he saw a while back.

Pain. That's what Hinata woke up to and an empty clearing. Darkness was the first thing she saw and for a moment she panicked. Has she passed to the afterlife? A chill ran up and down her spine and she subconsciously rubbed her cold arms. Was Death this cold? She blinked and placed a hand on the ground. She felt the grass underneath her palm and she sighed when the realization that, no, she's not dead hit her. Thank Kami-sama. Suddenly a throbbing pain pushed the thought of Death out of her mind yet not so out of her reach. It was close however. Death will surely come for her now that she's weak and alone—

"Uzumaki-san?" whispered Hinata as she looked around. "Uzumaki-san?" she asked the clearing, desperation in her tone. She was scared now. Her friend wasn't anywhere and she feared that perhaps…he left her? "No, Hinata, don't think such thoughts about him. He wouldn't leave…we're friends…" She paused and glanced around, feeling alone for the first time in her life. Her headache pounded relentlessly and she groaned. 'Get up,' she thought. She placed her palms on the floor and slowly began to stand. She miscalculated the trunk of a tree and she leaned against nothing but air. Shrieking, her side hit the ground with a loud poof. She cried when she felt a throbbing pain on her side. Surely it would leave bruises. She tried once more to get up, to stand up, so she can find her friend and so she won't be alone. She didn't want to die alone. "Naruto…" she whispered weakly and, in a last attempt of desperation, she began to crawl towards the bushes, "I don't want to be alone…I can't…" She sobbed and collapsed, her body near the bushes, her fingertips brushing the soft leaves. She felt Death close and her fever, that she barely noticed she had, began to burn her body. She shook, from fear or coldness she couldn't tell, and her tears descended down her cheeks to the grass below her.

So this is how her story ends. Alone in a world she wished she knew more of and in a clearing hidden away from any life forms. She closed her eyes and squeezed her hands, her nails digging into her skin. "Please…I don't want to be alone…onegai…"

The quiet was disrupted by the sudden sound of leaves rustling. Quicker than the wind, Hinata's head snapped to that direction. "Naruto-san?" she whispered. She pleaded to Kami-sama it was her friend. To be alone in her last remaining moments did not sit well with her. But when the leaves parted it wasn't Uzumaki-san that she saw but a small, bright blue ball floating. Her eyes widened when the floating ball of blue came closer and stopped on the tip of her nose. Her heart seemed to stop then speed up. Was this real? What she was seeing was real? But it shouldn't be! It shouldn't be real! What she was seeing was… "A-A fairy…?" It seemed that the word made the small fairy giggle, as if it was a big joke. The fairy was a beauty that left Hinata blushing and feeling less worthy of her presence. The little creature's wings were blue while her brown with blue wisps of hair was curly reaching her shoulders. Her dress was long and fluttered with the wind as she flew to the top of Hinata's head. The young hime sneezed and shook when reality came upon her once more. The fairy, not ready for the shaking of Hinata's head, nearly fell but flapped her small wings to catch herself from falling. The fairy giggled and Hinata managed a small smile when she heard tinkling bells instead. It was as if that was a signal and from the bushes, Hinata watched as millions of different, small color orbs came flying towards her.

"Fairies…these are fairies." Hinata was in awe. They were beautiful and little by little, with increasing confidence and trust, the fairies sat on her and swung their legs, chatting amongst themselves when Hinata heard nothing but sounds of different bells. For a moment, she forgot her worries and her pain and focused on the fairies whose voices were high pitched chimes while others carried a fast pace bell-like sound. Beautiful, thought Hinata. She laughed and her joyful attitude transferred to the fairies. The little creatures began to braid some parts of her hair while others touched the tip of Hinata's cold nose, their small and colorful eyes gazing at Hinata's pale lavender ones. Suddenly they stopped their chatting and simultaneously they looked towards the bushes. Curious, Hinata, too, glanced at the bushes and her body trembled when she saw a slightly bigger fairy whose wings were gold with other colors dashed here and there. Her golden hair was braided and it reached her ankles while her gown covered every inch of her body.

"Utsukushii Hime," whispered the golden fairy as it came closer to Hinata's trembling body. Her head ached and she finally realized that her body had no more energy left. She could only watch in silent awe as the beautiful fairy approached her slowly. The other fairies flew away and appeared behind the golden fairy that was now placing a warm hand on her nose. Instantly warmth like no other invaded her senses and body. Letting out a contented breathe, Hinata slumped against the cold grass with a small smile, her body oddly feeling at peace. "Utsukushii Hime, why have you come to The Land of Legends?" questioned the golden fairy whose voice was like silk and summer's warmth. Her blond hair floated as her wings never stopped flapping.

"I-I, c-came…" She took in a shuddering breath and closed her eyes when her body shook. The warmth left and in its place was coldness like no other. Death was close, she knew. So close.

The golden fairy nodded and the other fairies began to buzz, different sounds of bells ringing in the abandon clearing. "You are sick, Utsukushii Hime." She turned and Hinata caught the smell of freshly cut grass with roses after a light shower. "My people, my beautiful people," Hinata noted the little twinkle of a bell in her accent, "this Utsukushii Hime is sick. We will cure her." Hinata's eyes widened at her words. Cure her? Turning around, the golden fairy smiled softly and for a moment Hinata was reminded of her dear kaa-chan's smile. Tears quickly formed in her eyes and she blinked it back rapidly. "We will cure you but it will not last forever. The healing spell that we will perform will protect you from illness for a while. You are ill, Utsukushii Hime," the golden fairy caressed Hinata's pale cheek, "and we will help you. My beautiful people let us help this beautiful fairy."

All the fairies, including the golden one, flew above Hinata's fallen form. Then the night's quietness was cut off by a series of singing, bells and chimes from different pitches filled the clearing and Hinata's already tired eyes began to close from the lulling and soft music. The sung and each took out a pouch that was tied up by a piece of bamboo. They opened it slowly, each singing their part, as their Queen took up the lead, her own golden rainbow pouch on her hand. Then, together, they sung a soothing high pitch note while grabbing a fistful of the mysterious powder that's in their pouches. Together they threw the powder—it glistened, it glowed in the dark clearing—and slowly they ended their song as the powder landed gently on Hinata's sleeping form. The fairies giggled, small hands coming up to cover their wide smiles. Their Queen looked on with a small smile that made the clearing glow. Fireflies made their way into the clearing and some fairies left to play with the small creatures. Listening to her people's high pitched laughs, the golden fairy Queen flew and elegantly landed on Hinata's head, a hand grabbing a strand of hair. The rest of the fairies followed their beautiful Queen's action. Some landed on her hair and squealed when they felt how soft it was. They began to braid and chat with each other, their chime voices beautiful. Others, mischievous like a fox, went to tap the sleeping hime's nose and giggled when Hinata twitched in her sleep. The Queen smiled softly and suddenly flew up, her wings carrying a melodic sound with the wind. "My fairies let us depart."

And like that the beautiful creatures that left Hinata in awe left without a trace.

Naruto stumbled upon the clearing, different herbs clutched on one hand and a pouch of water on the other. When his eyes, however, landed on the lonely tree trunk where Hinata was he nearly dropped the items he collected.

"Hinata?" he asked with desperation. He focused on his hearing and a millisecond later he glanced down. Lying close to the bushes, Hinata was dead to the world as she slept. He hurried over to her side and placed the items carefully on the floor before placing a hand on her forehead and focused on his hearing. Sighing out of relief when he heard the heartbeat of his friend, he reached into his kimono to retrieve a scroll. He unraveled it and slammed a hand down while mumbling some words. A canteen puffed out in existence and Naruto quickly threw in the herbs he managed to find. It was better to be safe than sorry. His body shook as he grabbed Hinata and pressed her close, reassuring himself when he felt her body against his own. Without his consent, his head lowered and he placed his chapped lips on her warm forehead. It felt nice having her close to his body, the feeling of her shoulder leaning against his bicep and her head neatly placed against his shoulder while her hair blanketed his torso. His nose took in her scent and for a moment his eyes fluttered and his nails lengthened. His ears twitched, focusing completely on the female on his arms, and his tail swayed from side to side rapidly. His nose touched her cheek and her head rolled to the side, her nose pressing against his chest. He smiled, something soft and sensual, and a hand trailed down to grip her waist. He was worried when

Once his mind caught up with what his body was doing he moved back quickly, his neck cracking from the force. His eyes widened and his beating heart rung in his ears which were pulsing hot. But his body betrayed his racing thoughts when he felt his arms constrict tighter around the sleeping hime. This time, however, he didn't object pressing her closer. Somewhere deep down inside him he craved this feeling of wanting her closer to him, to feel skin to skin contact, to kiss her deeply leaving her breathless, from protecting her from the cruel world, and to be by her side forever. He didn't know why he acted so worried when he felt her sweaty forehead and heating skin. It was out of instinct to rush and find a cure, to find anything so the pain she was feeling will disappear. An instinct he thought he'll never experience in his life.

"Naruto, when you're of age I'll tell you everything about The Mating Cycle."

"The Mating Cycle…tou-san? What's that?"

A chuckle escaped the older man's lips and he ruffled his son's wild, yellow hair. "You'll know when the time comes."

"Kuso," Naruto cursed under his breath. He never got the lesson from his tou-san but he didn't need a lecture to know what The Mating Cycle is. He watched it from his parents to everyone from his clan. The way the male kitsune's will drop everything they were doing to help their mates or how the female kitsune's will become overly protective when their husbands came back home wounded from a battle.

He saw it all and didn't need someone to shout it out to him that what he was feeling towards Hinata was the first step into The Mating Cycle: primal needs. There are four stages for The Mating Cycle. The first step is The Primal Needs: it is when the inner fox of every kitsune starts to show some interest in a possible future mate. Their body starts to heat up with lust and a craving unlike any other will start to cloud their mind. The need for constant contact and to drink in their image becomes a daily routine in their life. Once a kitsune passes that stage, it usually—and most likely—means that they found their mate. Then is the second stage: The Feelings. Possessiveness and protective feelings arise and blinds the kitsune from everyone except their now chosen mate. It's a bad case of tunnel vision and it's highly advised to stay clear from any kitsune at this point of the stage. There have been many cases where a kitsune male will lash out if anyone—including the female's family—touches their mate. An overwhelmingly happiness also starts to flood their mind and soul, leaving the soon-to-be mates glowing with love. Next is the third stage: The Connection. Many kitsune—especially the females though the males secretly say it—enjoy this stage much. A bond has been formed at this point between the two mates and a "connection" is created between the two. A link that shows what the other is thinking or feeling or seeing. It's a way to deepen the relationship between the soon-to-be mates and also a perfect way to satisfy the protective feelings they're feeling at this point. It's a magical experience where two souls—two bodies—becomes one. When one does one thing the other will complete the notion. Emotions that are not your own begin to enter your mind without your consent and you begin to see through the eyes of your love one and begin to understand that person like no other. And finally the last stage is: The Mating. Sex between the mates are heated and passionate so once one reaches this stage, it's advised that the mates should isolate themselves to enjoy a full on experience of The Mating. It's a time where they finally get to learn their body and make a connection like no other. It's a time where they touched each other where no one has ever touched them before and to climb into ecstasy together. Once they've completed their first sexual act, one of them must place a mark on the other—usually the male on the female but there are some exceptions—where the shoulder and neck meet and vice versa.

But sadly Naruto only knew up to the first stage: The Primal Needs. The rest was never said to him because of the tragic massacre his clan suffered.

So with this new realization in mind, he closed his eyes hoping for some rest and played with the idea that maybe it wasn't so bad.

"Do you smell that?"

"Smell what, Goreth?"

"You don't smell that, Maich?"

"Of course I don't you big dimwit! That's why I asked ya!"

"Flesh, Maich! I smell flesh!"

Maich stopped plucking out the feathers of a dead bird he found and took a big sniff, his mouth immediately salivating and snot running down his dirty face.

"I do smell it, Goreth!"

"It is time to feast, my brother."

They both looked at each other, eyes wide and sharp teeth showing. Yes, today the ogres will eat.