Chapter 3: Monster

~17 years later~

Sitting in the alcove of her room, adrift in a book full of mystical creatures and battles, Hinata's eyebrows crinkled in concern as the heroine faced the sinister dragons. Lost in a midst of fantasy, the faint knock on the door hardly caught Hinata's attention.

"Come in" Hinata said softly as she brought the book closer to her face. Hoping her visitor would catch the subtle hint that she didn't want to be bothered.

"Why don't you join us for Hanabi's birthday celebration? Just this once to show everyone you are a normal girl" Her mother begged as she entered the room.

Peering over her book, uneasiness settled in her heart as her eyes laid upon the ball gown draped over her mother's arms.

"No mother, you know I can't bring myself to be around anyone, not after what happened." A pang of guilt hit her chest as she stared at her mother's crestfallen face. "I'm not a normal girl, I never was." Hinata said somberly as she turned away from her mother's dejected gaze.

"You shouldn't listen to what anyone says." Hitomi instructed her despondent child as she laid the gown gently on her bed, still hoping that her daughter would change her mind and join the celebration.

"They are right though, I am a monster." Hinata remarked solemnly, for as long as she could remember there were always whispers milling around far and wide about her beauty... as well as her curse. Folks (who had never seen her before) would always talk about her appearance. Many believed her beauty could compete with that of a goddess, while others believed she was an incarnate of a demon, with a horn and tail to match (her personal favorite).

Although, her decision to lock herself up in her room out of fear only fueled rumors of the latter. Of course, none of it was true, she was a normal girl who just happened to be cursed by a spiteful witch. However, having been rumored to have horns and a tail was not the reason why she decided to hide. When she was younger and oblivious to the curse that would ultimately decide how she lived, she had gravely injured someone unintentionally and memory of that still haunted her to this day. When she wasn't occupying her mind with literature or other activities, their scream of agony would echo in her head, soon bloody blistering hands would appear in her mind's eye reminding her that she was what everyone says she is, a monster.

"Darling you aren't a monster, stop listening to gossip." The Queen assured, bringing Hinata out of her thoughts as she wrapped her arms around her forlorn daughter.

Hinata rested her cheek against her mother's bosom, thankful that she would always don high-neck, long sleeve dresses for her. No matter how scorching the weather becomes, her mother would always wear the same style of attire just to be able to hold her. "It's not about the rumors, it's about the servant I hurt. I don't want to cause anyone that much pain, ever again..." Hinata uttered, trying to swallow the knot that had formed in her throat.

"That was not your fault." Chastised her mother softly, running her gloved hand down her daughter's hair. "You were only five and there are strict rules every servant in the castle must follow, she didn't do that darling."

"If I would have known-"

"Enough Hinata." The queen interrupted her. "If you would have known at such a young age, you would have been petrified of yourself. Now please, just do this one favor for me and accompany me to your own sister's birthday party." Hitomi grabbed her daughter's shoulders and gently moved her at arm's length.

Hinata looked up, placing her hands on her mother's arms and looked into her eyes, hoping that her mother would not be so insistent on the matter. However, the look of determination in the queen's eyes told her she would not win this time.

"Of course mother." Hinata hesitantly said.

"Thank you, now let's get this dress on you." The queen said excitedly, striding towards the gown that was sure to suffocate the princess later on.

~Few hours later~

Inhale

Exhale

Hinata chanted to herself as she fiddled with her fingers. Hearing boisterous laughter, curiosity got the best of her and she took a peek down the massive ballroom. But looking at the crowd only overwhelmed her, inhaling sharply Hinata took a few steps back and contemplated whether or not she could be in a such a close proximity to this many people. Finally deciding she could not face everyone, Hinata turned on her heels, ready to make a break for it. However, a thunderous voice halted her in her tracks.

"May I present Princess Hinata Hyuga!" The announcer's deep thunderous voice echoed, cutting through the guests' thick chatter.

Hearing the mysterious princess's name, everyone suddenly became silent and all eyes simultaneously looked up at the grand staircase. They held their breath as they waited for the princess to make an appearance. Some were excited to finally get a glimpse of the cursed princess, while others were petrified of what myth might be shown before them.

Taking a deep breath, Hinata rolled her shoulders back, held her head up high and slowly walked towards the edge of the staircase, finally revealing herself to the curious guests. With many pairs of eyes set on her, Hinata trembled with anxiety as she held onto the cold marbled railings to prevent herself from tumbling down the white stone stairs.

Everyone's eyes were glued to the enchanting princess for she was, in fact, a beauty to behold. However, most of the ladies questioned her "out of season" ball gown. It was a lovely light blue gown that hugged her waist and flared out by her hips, but the long sleeve, high neck dress was too warm for the spring season. But the slight oddity did little to distract from how captivating the princess was.

As Hinata slowly descended the stairs, she smiled softly to herself as she made eye contact with her younger sister who gawked at her with awe and excitement. Reminding Hinata just how important this was. Not only to her mother but to her sister and herself as well. But like a spell being broken, the moment was short-lived when she heard whispers around her. As she got closer to the bottom of the stairs, the clearer she could hear some of their words.

"She doesn't look like a monster." A young man observed. "I wonder if they meant a monster underneath the sheets."

"She's probably hiding her horns and tail." Giggled a girl with an elaborate cone shaped hair.

"She isn't as pretty as they say she is." Another girl snidely remarked.

Tuning out their words, Hinata made a beeline towards the royal table, where her parents and safe haven awaited her. Reaching her destination, Hinata sat gracefully by her father's side.

"I'm so proud of you Hinata." The king smiled towards his eldest. Ecstatic she is taking a step towards courage, which would be essential in breaking her curse.

"Hanabi will be so happy that you came." Her mother added.

Speaking of which, Hinata saw a young girl bobbing and weaving through the crowd as she made her way towards the table.

"Hinata!" An elated Hanabi yelled. "I'm so glad you're here!"

"I'm so sorry for never coming to your party until now Hanabi." Hinata apologized, feeling bad that her fears kept her locked up in her room and prevented her from enjoying time with her family. Typically, Hinata would always make sure to come by Hanabi's room to wish her a happy birthday, spending the night laughing and dancing with her younger sister.

"It's okay, I understand." Hanabi smiled widely. "Now that you are here, we can dance with music!" Hanabi excitedly grasped Hinata's covered hands and tried to pull her towards the dance floor.

"I-I don't think that's a good idea Hanabi." Hinata stated as she pulled her hands away from her sister, apprehensive of what might happen on the dance floor.

"Oh." Hanabi said dejectedly, her arms falling to her side.

For the second time that day, Hinata felt that pang of guilt hit her. "Since it's your b-birthday, let's d-do it." Hinata said nervously. Praying to whoever was looking down on her to not let anything unpleasant happen.

Hanabi smiled widely at her sister's words. Taking Hinata's hands again, they quickly made their way towards the dance floor.

The sisters enjoyed themselves as they danced around the floor, not paying any mind to the audience that had openly been staring at them. Hinata didn't mind the stares for once because for the first time in a while Hinata felt free and happy to just enjoy herself and forget about her situation.

After a couple of dances, Hinata felt like she might combust in her suffocating dress. Feeling lightheaded, the lavender-eyed princess halted her movements to catch her breath. "Hanabi." Hinata gasped out, looking like a fish out of water. "I need air." Taking a deep breath, Hinata bunched her skirt in her hands and headed towards the wooden double doors that lead to a balcony to cool herself down, all the while wishing she could wear a more appropriate dress for the season.

Seeing her sister's flustered face, Hanabi acknowledged her sister's situation. "I'll join you in a minute!" Hanabi called out to Hinata's retreating back. "I'll grab some refreshments."

Hinata turned her head towards her sister and threw her a small smile in acknowledgment.

Throwing the big doors open, Hinata smiled in delight as the cool breeze fanned her warm face. As she walked towards the stone railing, she removed the silk gloves that seemed to cling to her like a second skin. Reaching her destination, she carefully placed the gloves on top of the railing and ran her hands over the cool stone. Feeling happy and free for the first time since she was a child. Not even her stifling dress and clammy hands can dampen her mood.

Hinata stood there for a while, gazing up at the stars that seemed to shine so much brighter that night. Hearing the doors open, she didn't bother to turn around, knowing it was her sister with her cold refreshing drink.

"Excuse me."

A voice, far deeper than her sister startled Hinata out of her skin. Whipping around to face the intruder, Hinata pressed her back against the railing as a man, dressed in a white suit with gold embroidery trimmings and buttons, walked towards her.

"I'm sorry to startle you, I thought you could use some company."

Hinata stared wide eyed at the man, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. The only thing running through her mind, to keep her distance from him.

The brunette man shuffled awkwardly on his feet, waiting for the princess' response. "I'm sorry, I should have introduced myself first. I'm Kiba Inuzaka, your highness." He introduced himself as he bowed, his right arm over his waist. "The son of duchess Tsume Inuzaka."

"I-I''m Hinata Hyuga." The uncomfortable princess introduced herself as she clasps her bare hands together close to her chest.

Kiba stood straight hearing Hinata's gentle voice. "It's a beautiful night, it would be a shame to let it go to waste without dancing with a beautiful girl." He smiled charmingly towards her as he held out his hand for her to take. "Would you like to dance princess?"

The nervous princess darted her eyes at the man's hand and towards the door behind him, hoping her sister would appear and interrupt their conversation. "N-no thank you, I'm a-actually waiting for someone else."

"Well, we can dance while we wait for said person." The persistent man said as he came closer to Hinata. So close that the princess could feel his breath against her face.

"I'm not much of a dancer." Hinata said as she turned away from him, quickly grabbing her gloves.

"Are you sure? I've seen you dance, and I think you are more than capable."

"P-please, I d-don't want to dance." Hinata whimpered, afraid she might hurt the man accidentally.

"Hey Hinata, I brought your— What are you trying to do with my sister?" Hanabi asked with a frown on her face, as she saw the stranger almost pressing up against her sister. Hinata sighed in relief as the man took a step back and silently thanked her sister for saving her.

"I was just asking for a dance; I mean no harm." The man said as he smiled charmingly at Hanabi. However, Hanabi didn't much buy the look and glared at him once she recognized who he was.

"Then get away from my sister creep." Hanabi said in disgust, knowing what kind of man Kiba was. A womanizer who would ruin every girls' reputation that he slept with.

"No worries, I won't hurt the kingdom's delicate flower." Kiba smiled

mischievously. "Not yet anyways." The cocky man turned to face the trembling princess and reached for her face.

Hinata flinched and pushed the man's hand away from her using her forearm, avoiding any skin contact with the rude man.

"Oh, feisty." Kiba laughed. "I'll do my best to crack that shell of yours princess." The brown headed man quickly grasps Hinata's hands, preventing her from pulling away from him again. However, that was a painful mistake, for when he touched the princess, he had an abrupt scream of anguish.

The two princesses were horror struck as they stared at Kiba's steaming hands. As Hinata gaped in alarm, her heart raced a mile a minute, hating herself for what she could do to people. Unable to stand on her trembling legs, Hinata sank to her knees clutching her dangerous hands close to her chest.

"I'm so sorry." Sobbed Hinata.

"What did you do!?" Kiba shrieked in pain as he crouched in front of the cursed princess. "You're a monster!" Kiba exclaimed as he stared at his blistering, bleeding hands.

"How dare you say that!?" Hanabi angrily said, snapping out of shock. "You were the one that touched her!" Hanabi dropped her drinks and ran towards Hinata's side.

"Don't come near me!" Hinata screamed stopping Hanabi in her tracks. Seeing her gloves on the floor, Hinata quickly put them on, shaking as she does.

Hearing the commotion outside, everyone in the room turned their attention towards the double doors where they see the princess and the duchess' son on the floor and the younger princess standing there unsure.

"What's going on?" The duchess said as she rushed towards her son.

Hearing his mother's voice, Kiba turned around to show everyone his damaged hands. "That monster did this to me!" Everyone in the room gasped in fright as others turned away from the gory sight.

"Monster!" The duchess said in fright as she gently held Kiba's hands. An accusing glare of rage pointed in Hinata's direction.

Hinata's head spun as she stared at Kiba's bloodied hands, recalling the same event that had happen many years ago. The scream of agony, the bloodied hands, the petrified look from a young girl, and now everyone has the same look on their faces. The situation was too much for the fragile princess to handle, being unable to breath due to her dress and commotion taking place, the last thing Hinata recalled was her mother yelling out her name before darkness pulled her out of her nightmare.