With the Princess at her side, Hinata is ready to try and do what she was born to do…if only she knew what she had to do? Hinata not only comes face to face with her four knights, but she also comes to see that not all her warriors want to serve under their Princess, and some of them what her dead and gone….

For good

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto™

(Line Break)

The air was still cold and bitter, but this time there wasn't much snow to make the weather any better to Hinata Hyuga. She wasn't a fan of the cold unless the snow was there. After her break Hinata had a lot of time to talk to the Princess, and her knights. Neji and Kiba had introduced TenTen and Lee to her since she had no idea that they were her knights; it made sense now since those were the only other two people that Neji would allow her to be with if he would not be able to get to her in the matter of fifteen minutes. She was happy that they were her knights, Lee and TenTen were more relaxed than Kiba and Neji, which was a little surprising. The only issue that Hinata was having was her guilt.

She had yet to tell any of them that she had found one of her warriors. And when she had called out to him, something happened that brought him out and allowed him to take over his host, which was also her crush, Naruto Uzumaki. Hinata felt awful that she called to Pein; she really wasn't at fault for it since the Princess is a rather powerful spirit. But she still felt awful since she forced him to be in the story. Hinata had a bit of a choice (not really but she did) but she had forced him to take part. Hinata brought forth the spirit and she just hoped that Naruto could forgive her.

He didn't though.

Hinata could tell that the Uzumaki had discovered what was going on and he made sure to let Hinata know he wanted no part in it. He never smiled when she was in the same room as her and he avoided all contact with her; which was hard since they were in a group together in Chemistry. It only made her feel more like crap every time she was near him. There was also the fact that she was never even looking at Naruto either (since she didn't want to see his glare) but she was looking at Pein. He would just spend every second that they were in the same room together just staring at her and as she got more used to seeing him, he began to follow her around when Naruto tried to run away. Hinata learned that the spirits could be rather far from their host. The Princess seemed to always be by her side since Hinata always saw her in any reflections. Pein would just watch over her, never knowing that the real Princess was also there and she would only spare him a glance.

Like she really didn't care

"Princess," Hinata asked lightly as she stood outside the school and looking down at a reflective patch of ice on the ground, "why can't they see you?"

"Because unlike them, I have moved on," she explained as she looked up at the dark skies. "I have come to peace with my death. I died with no regrets in my life, but I am still tied to this earth and the daughters of my family." She walked about as Hinata looked back to the school in hopes that Kiba would come out soon. None of the students noticed the cold chill as the Princess walked through their bodies and watched them. "All they see is that you have the same aura as my own. You are the Princess in their eyes." She sighed lightly as she went back to stand by a shivering Hinata. "Being trapped here has done nothing but drive me to the brink of insanity. Sooner or later," she glanced to her, "I will cause you nothing but true torture."

"Th-That's nice," Hinata whispered as she watched the crowd clear out and she was left to stand there. She took a seat on the cold stone steps and held herself. "This is the first time Kiba has ever left me waiting here like this." She looked back to the doors and pulled out her phone to see if he had left her some messages. "I hope nothing happened to him."

"I would hope as well," Hinata looked into the ice patch and saw that the Princess was looking at her. "He is far too young to die."

"Die?" Hinata stood up with shock. She tried to turn to the Princess but she could not see her. Hinata looked back down at the ice patch, "What do you mean die?"

"He is loyal to you," she explained, "I've seen some of the warriors have gotten jealous of the fact that they were being pushed away from the job they were given." The Princess shook her head with disappointment. "They go rather fast."

Hinata didn't waste any time running back into the school in search of her best friend. She sloppily turned a corner as she raced to the last class Kiba had; she just hoped that he had fallen asleep or something. Hinata was about to turn another corner, but then came to a halt when she saw that Kiba was in the classroom all right, but he was talking to someone. Hinata ducked from the door window and pressed her ear against the door in hopes to hear what was going on. They weren't very loud, but she could get hear a few words here and there. Hinata looked around to see if the Princess was with her, but there was nothing reflective enough. Hinata just closed her eyes and listened.

Kiba, who was currently glaring at the male that stood before him, didn't even remember that he was to meet Hinata. He was so blinded by his pride as a knight and the growling of his wolf spirit didn't help. "I don't know what you are trying to get at, but I won't let you near her-"

"You think you can protect her?" Shikamaru Nara smirked as he leaned against the wall that was lined with windows. "She has become of age and it is only a matter of time before everyone comes looking for their…" he chuckled lightly, "true power." He shrugged as he pulled off his tie and stuffed it in his pant pocket. "All the spirits are aware and trust me," he looked to Kiba, "not many of them are coming to her to beg on their knees."

"I am ready to stand at my place, unlike you could." Kiba smirked as Shikamaru looked at him with a glare with dark purples eyes that seemed to glow.

"I did everything in my fucking power!" He roared at him, "That little bitch was the one to do this to me!" He balled his hands into fists and breathed heavily as Kiba just stood his ground. Shikamaru blinked a few times until his eyes went back to normal. "Don't rile up the troublesome idiot like that. I'm not able to control him like I used too." He took a few deep breaths and looked to Kiba, "And besides," he walked over to the door and Hinata quickly ran off and hid behind the corner, "from what I've been seeing in my dreams…Hinata doesn't have a chance." He opened the door and looked back at him, "And no Knight has ever been there to save them, only to cry over how they are failures."

"At least we chose to come back to protect her," Kiba replied. They both just stood there, glaring at one another. "And by the way this is going; we'll be coming back for a very long time."

"Or," he smirked as his eyes turned a dark purple again. "I can stay as a fucking demon." He laughed as he walked out and Kiba just stood there with his hands balled up into tight fists. He walked off a little after Shikamaru and saw that the male was gone.

"Ass," Kiba muttered under his breath as he ran his hand through his hair. He was pulled from his inner thoughts when he caught Hinata peeking out from around the corner. "Hinata," he smiled brightly and ran over. He then frowned and flushed when he realized why she was there. "Oh Hinata I'm so sorry," he bowed down and Hinata giggled lightly, "I hope that you weren't waiting long for me. I just totally forgot about meeting you when I ran into…." He slowly cut himself off.

"Nara-san," she finished for him. He looked at her with wide eyes. "I heard a bit of what you two were saying and I saw him leave," she said as she looked down at her feet. Hinata smiled as the wolf whimpered lightly and sat at her feet. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," he smiled lightly and patted her head. "I better get you home before Neji comes looking for us." Hinata nodded and she followed Kiba to his locker so that he could grab his stuff and put his books away. Hinata petted the wolf that wasn't really there as she waited. "What did you hear?" He looked at her.

"Not much," she admitted. "Only little things…but I can assume that Nara-san….is another warrior?"

"Yes," he said with slight irritation. "But he isn't a good one Hinata," he said as he closed his locker and zipped up his coat. "I know I have no right to tell you what to do Hinata, but," he looked at her with concern, "do not let him gain his full power."

"Alright," Hinata nodded lightly. "But," she started as they walked to the front doors, "what did he mean by 'stay as a demon'?"

Kiba tensed a bit, "I don't know," he said rather rushed and was quick to change the subject. "We should go and see a movie over the week end," he smiled brightly. "They got a wicked cool action movie coming out and we should go to the premiere."

"Okay," Hinata smiled and decided that if Kiba didn't want to talk about it, she probably didn't want to hear about it either. They walked out into the cold air and began to make their way down the street towards Hinata's home. It was fairly quiet since Hinata didn't have anything but questions, but there was a part of her that still didn't want to take part and not bother with it. She would figure it out sooner or later with how much the Princess actually talked. It was like she had no buffers to keep her from just spouting off whatever comes to mind. Hinata was getting used to just coping with her constant talking. "Did…Did you start on the English paper?" she asked awkwardly since she had no idea what else they could talk about.

"I actually did," he said with a smile. "Which is weird since I usually don't start until the day before it is due," he laughed and Hinata giggled. "You should read it though; I think I might actually get a grade higher than a C on this one."

"That's great," Hinata smiled, "your mother will be so proud." They walked up her driveway and as they reached the door, Neji opened it. "Hello Neji-nii," she waved. She looked back to Kiba, "I'll see you tomorrow morning?"

"Even after all these years," he smirked, "you ask me like I won't come up and get you."

"Just want to be sure," Hinata smiled and waved goodbye to Kiba, "be safe."

"Always am," he shot back with a curt nod.

Hinata walked into the house and took off her boots, jacket, and scarf. "I guess you're wondering why I'm late," she assumed as Neji still stood by her.

"That is true," he nodded as he followed her into the living area where they all did homework. "But I am also concerned about something else." He suddenly grew very serious and Hinata knew that was the voice she heard when she was in trouble. "I saw him…I saw Naruto's spirit warrior." Hinata suddenly paled as she kneeled down by the low table. "I can only see them when they have been called to. When did you call to him? Why did you call to him?"

"How…How can you see them…" she asked lightly with shock. Neji looked at her with hard eyes, and then took her hand and took her to his room. "What are we doing?" She asked suddenly very confused and alarmed. Neji never let anyone in his room; she knew that since he had about three locks on it. Hinata stood in the middle of his floor and stared at all the safes on the ground. "You…" she looked at him as he moved all the safes into one line, "you have a problem…"

"Shut up," he blushed and glared at her. Hinata tried to remember that she was confused, but seeing her cousin blush was so cute. "They are all open. Take whatever is out and put as many as you want back in. Do it for each one and then lock them again." He ordered as he went back to the door. "Lock the doors and tell me when you are done." Hinata nodded and flinched when he slammed the door close. Hinata went over and put on the three locks and then went to each safe.

Each was numbered and she counted about eight of them. Hinata went through each of them.

One: twelve rocks. Two: four books. Three: nine buttons. Four: two shirts. Five: one dagger. Six: five book marks. Seven: empty. Eight: six pens.

She closed them all back up and made sure to spin the locks so they were closed shut. "Okay," she called out and stood back like something magical was about to happen.

"Call off a number." He ordered again.

"Uh…" Hinata looked to each of the safes and then looked to the door, "Number five," she called.

It was silent for a while and Hinata was trying to figure out what was going on. She was about to go over and unlock the door to let him back in until he called through the door. "My dagger is in that safe. Just one; blade pointed towards the front." Hinata stood there in shock as she looked back at the safe, trying to see if he was right. "The combination should be written on the top." Neji answered with some smugness in his voice. Hinata quickly fumbled with opening the safe and fell back on her bottom when she saw the one dagger, with the blade pointed at her. "Name off another…"

"How did you do that?"

"Spiritually," he said quickly. "Now another," he demanded.

"Number seven." And after a bit of silence.

"Nothing, there is nothing in that one."

Hinata opened up the safe and he was two for two now. "Wow," she whispered. Hinata began to call off more until he has answered all of them. Hinata went over and unlocked the door. She opened it quickly to see Neji standing there with a hard look. Hinata just stared at him. "How…"

"The Knights needed more than just combat skills. Our spirit animals all hold a special gift. I have a sort of…x-ray vision." He nodded and Hinata watched as the dragon around his neck nodded to her with its eyes open wide and veins pulsing around its eyes. "Your Warriors are strong…you gave them a great upper hand Princess."

"She did," Hinata nodded. She had not done a thing. It was the Princess that did this.

"You are me," she said lightly as Hinata tried to ignore her. "If I had not, my kingdom would be gone and Demons would have wiped out human kind." She continued as Hinata said she needed a moment alone and took her school bag up to her room to do her homework. Neji didn't say anything but he looked a little hurt. Once Hinata was safely in her room, she seated herself so that she could see her reflection in the mirror. "They will always refer to you as if you are me."

"But I am not you," Hinata stressed as she took out her books and worksheets. "And…I mean no offense…I don't want to be you."

"I wish I wasn't myself too," she admitted as she walked about Hinata's room. "I want to be in heaven with my beloved son…my sister…my family. But I am stuck here, to watch young woman suffer." She turned back and looked at Hinata with a hard stare. "I'm sorry Hinata…I'm sorry that you were born into this fate and thrown into a fight you cannot fight. But please…if you could promise me one thing." She knelt down beside Hinata and looked into the mirror as Hinata did. "Try not to give up," she whispered lightly. "Every day will be a battle to keep pushing forward, but just keep moving." Her eyes dulled as she stroked Hinata's hair. Hinata almost felt like she was with her own mother again. "Dear little Princess…you are strong. If not strong, you are intelligent. If not intelligent, you are determined. And that alone, can win a war against those of hell."

Hinata nodded as she closed her eyes and nearly melted into her touch. "Okay…I'll keep trying." She looked up and suddenly came back to reality.

She was in her room alone.

There was no one really there for her.

It was all in her head.

(Line Break)

"Now before I let anyone go to lunch," Kakashi said with a smirk as his class groaned and whined under their breaths, "I want to explain a new assignment that we will start working on next week." He went to the board and began to write up what he was talking about. "In a few weeks, Konohagakure Academy will be holding a history festival. And it is up to the English classes to come up with booths should portray the history of this country or some ancient legends."

"Can we work in groups?" Ino asked

"I don't see why not," he shrugged, "but we need to be sure that our grade has the best booths since I will not allow second years to be outdone by first years, again," he sighed lightly. "If you already know what you are going to do, I will write it down, but official choices won't be made until next week." He looked to the clock, "before you go, remember that other schools will be coming to attend." As he finished, the bell rang and everyone packed up and left as soon as they could. Hinata stood back and waited for the crowd to the clear before she walked up to Kakashi's desk and stood there until he noticed her. "Oh," he smiled from behind his medical mask, "Hyuga-san, what can I help you with?"

"I-I was wondering if it would be okay if I did a booth about m-my family." She said lightly in hopes that it didn't sound like she was using the easy way out. "Since th-they have been around s-since feudal times," she added with a light smile.

"That sounds wonderful," he said with a nod as he quickly jotted her name and subject on a note pad.

"And I will be doing a booth on the Uchiha clan," Sasuke said and surprised Hinata that she jumped a bit. She moved slightly away from him when he sent her a glance. Hinata was never comfortable around the Uchiha boy and made sure that he knew it. Hinata looked at her feet as she waited to be dismissed.

"It's good to see that you both take an interest in your family's heritage." Kakashi took a note on it and then stood. "Now, off to lunch with your two and try not to linger in the halls too much." They both nodded and bowed to him before walking out. Hinata was glad she had to go the opposite direction of the Uchiha to get to her locker. She was about to let out a sigh of relief until she felt a sudden chill. She looked around and held back the yelp in her throat to see another ghost standing there, just looking at her.

And…he was unbelievably handsome.

He had onyx colored hair that was medium length and pulled back in a low pony-tail. His skin was pale, but not as much as hers. His eyes were an onyx black and long bangs framed his perfectly angled face and he had two lines that came down from the inside of her eyes going down diagonally to the end of his nose. He wore a necklace with steel circlets on a string with the center piece being the familiar silver charm of a cloud from her warriors. Hinata just stood there and looked around to be sure that no one would see her. She looked back at him and waved lightly.

He waved back.

Hinata thought it a little silly. This was supposed to be her brave and fierce warrior; and there he was waving to her like this was just another day at the Academy. Hinata nibbled on her bottom lip as she thought of what to do. She just bowed lightly and walked on to her locker. He didn't leave though, as she feared, he followed her to her locker and then into the lunch room. Hinata glanced back at him and watched as he looked around the room. He scanned every face in the crowd and walked off past her. Hinata almost wanted to see who he would go to, but at some point, he just faded from her site and Hinata just lost him. That was a bit new; she didn't know that they could choose not to be seen by her. Hinata looked about a bit more in hopes to find him again, but he was just gone. Hinata walked over to the lunch line and waited her turn to grab one of the bentos. She was in such a rush this morning because her vivid dreams extended her sleeping. Once she was about to grab a bento, another hand came up and grabbed it before her.

"Sorry Hyuga-san," Hinata looked back and blushed as Sai smiled at her. "Snooze and loose as dickless would put it." Hinata couldn't help but smile. Listening to Sai was like listening to an alien trying to use modern language. "Would you like to join me for a lunch?" He asked as Hinata took a different bento and continued in line. He followed right behind her. "I can see that your friendship making skills are rather low in comparison to the rest of our peers. I am extending my hand to you for a friendship."

"U-Um," she smiled lightly as she paid for her lunch. "That's really s-sweet Yamamoto-san," she tucked some hair behind her ear as she began to walk away, "b-but I always sit with K-Kiba," she bowed. "Th-Thanks for the o-offer though…" she turned away and walked off. Hinata knew he was trying to be nice, but it came off a little mean sounding. She glanced back to see that Sai had not taken offense to her rejection and she continued on to her way to the table in the back.

"What did Sai have to say to you?" Kiba asked suspiciously and made no move to hide the fact he was watching her.

"He wanted to become friends with me," she explained as she sat down next to him. "So he invited me to sit with him for lunch." Hinata smiled lightly, "It…It was kind of sweet."

"I don't like him," Kiba said with a frown as Hinata laughed lightly. "He's got that clay smell."

"He does plan on being an artist," Hinata defended since she liked the idea of making a few more friends. She broke open her chopsticks and opened her bento. "How has your day been going?" She asked in hopes to diffuse the tension.

"Lee was on my ass today in gym," he said with a groan as he unwrapped his sandwich. "Said something about how I was the slowest of the group. Me?" He looked at her with a smirk, "I'm way faster than TenTen." Hinata giggled as he continued to brag about how great he was. It was like things were back to normal.

That was until Naruto had a sudden outburst.

"Lay off teme," he glared at Sasuke as he stood up. "I don't orders from you. I was the fucking captain, remember?" He said with a smirk as Sasuke stood up and glared at him. Everyone else was confused at what was really going on, but Hinata tensed as Kiba straightened up as he watched the two. "And I will decide what I want to do."

"You don't have the proper I.Q. to make any decisions, captain." Sasuke shot back with mockery and a sneer. Hinata looked to the exit and then to Kiba. He nodded lightly as they both got up and walked out. "Hyuga." Sasuke called out to her before she could reach the door. Hinata, suddenly feeling her panic set in, ran for the door and swung it open. "Hyuga!" He yelled as he followed after her. Kiba was quick to cut off his pursuit by tackling him. The cafeteria broke out into chaos as the two began a brawl.

Hinata continued down the hall and ran right into the library in hopes to take refuge there. She panted as she went to the back of the library and hid away from anyone that was in there. She leaned back against a bookshelf and took in deep breathes to calm her nerves and fast beating heart. She closed her eyes as she began to recite the story to herself. It was the last thing she wanted to think about, but it was her favorite childhood memory; she could still hear her mother's voice reading it to her. She checked around to be sure that no one had followed her or had known that she was there. As she went to go and waste time on the computer, someone grabbed her shoulder and nearly made her jump out of her skin.

"Hyuga-san," she looked back and smiled lightly when she saw Kabuto Yakushi there holding his book and smiling at her, "shouldn't you be in lunch?" Hinata turned to face him as he fixed his glasses. Kabuto was working at the library while also taking classes at a nearby college to be a doctor. Hinata always thought he was so kind; he helped her with finding research materials, always offered nice words of encouragement, and even once covered for her when she was trying to avoid Ino and Sakura.

"A-A fight br-broke out," she explained lightly and hoped that she didn't get Kiba in trouble. "I just ran," she shrugged lightly.

"You guys and all your fighting," he chuckled lightly as he motioned for her to follow him to the desk. "I am just going to assume that the lunch women have taken care of it, since I rather not call down the office for Sarutobi-san." He went behind the desk as Hinata just leaned against it. "I got some new stuff in," he smiled as he pulled out a box and set it on the desk. Hinata began to rifle through the contents of the box. "I know how much you love books," he smiled as he pulled out a medical book, "This one is so interesting," he opened it up and showed her studies of experimental drugs, "I have never been into this stuff before."

"Yeah," she said lightly with reluctant, all the studies were rather cruel…she was never a fan of animal testing, but some of these were on people too. "How is school going?"

"I've been losing a lot of sleep," he admitted, "I took a nap this morning," he whispered as Hinata giggled lightly, "Don't tell anyone though," Hinata nodded and he smiled at her. They continued to go through the many books, until Kabuto finally said something that frightened her. "I'm so on edge," he said as he looked over a new anatomy book, "I swear I hear this voice telling me to try out some of these tests." He laughed lightly as he flipped through the pages. "Crazy…huh?"

Hinata looked at him and she saw it. The ghost of a hand resting on Kabuto's shoulder as he leaned down and looked at the book as well; the figure was cloaked so that Hinata couldn't see who it was…but she was sure that it was another warrior. "Yeah…" she said starred at the cloaked spirit.

"Why not cut open the girl beside you," the spirit said and chuckled darkly as Kabuto tensed and tried to focus on the pages. "Figure out how she sees with such pale eyes. How the sway of her hips work? Or maybe even the way her brain is wired?" Hinata tried to pretend that she couldn't hear it.

"You need to get to class Hinata," Kabuto said as he closed his book and began to lead her out. "Try to stay out of trouble Hyuga-san," he forced a smile as he closed the door in her face and she stared as the cloak figured seemed to be laughing and looked right to her.

She caught yellow eyes with an evil glint.

(Line Break)

TenTen smiled lightly as she slowly walked up to the girl that was crouched in the corner of the girl's locker room. The academy was in a bit of a panic when they saw that the Hyuga heiress had missed out on three classes in a row. They hoped she was still in the building and her faithful knights were the first to begin a search. The teachers tried to keep calm so that students wouldn't become worried about the girl. The dean tried hard to not to let the news leave the school so that the media didn't have a field day that Konohagakure Academy loses its students. TenTen knew where to find Hinata; she was never good at playing hide-and-seek as kids.

She walked over to Hinata at sat beside her, "Everyone is really worried," she spoke lightly as Hinata held herself a little tighter. "You should have just told your teachers you were ditching," she said with a smile, "I bet they would have been okay with it." TenTen laughed lightly, but it died when Hinata still didn't laugh. "Is everything okay?"

"No," Hinata looked up at her with red eyes from all her crying. "N-Nothing is okay…m-my life is a-a mess."

"Princess-"

"I am not her," Hinata said a little louder than she usually would and TenTen was taken back. "I can't be her. I don't know what to do, o-or who to help." She let the tears fall again, "One of them wanted to cut me open TenTen! A-And the Princess…" she saddened more, "sh-she doesn't even b-believe in me…" Hinata buried her head in her knees. "I just want to wake up from this nightmare."

"Hinata," she said softly as she put her hand on her shoulder. "You were chosen by blood. No one can do this but you." She smiled lightly as Hinata looked up at her. "It's going to be hard, and I mean really hard." She said honestly, "but without you, people are going to get hurt. No one can control these guys but you, even if it looks like they don't want you around. They are bound to serve, like me." TenTen helped her to her feet and held her face in her hands. "We are going to be sure that nothing happens to you. That is our vow. I believe that you will do what you think is right."

"But…" she looked away, "Neji-nii and Kiba-kun say I shouldn't call to them, but I already called Naruto's spirit."

"I am not that surprised," she teased lightly, "Your feeling towards Naruto are rather strong, it's probably what triggered the Princess to force you to call out to him." She kissed her forehead. "I know you can do this. Do what you feel is right, no matter what anyone says to you."

"Are…" she hesitated, "are you sure I can do this?"

"Positive," she smiled at her and then began to lead her out. "Now, we better get you home before Neji starts tearing at the floorboards to find you." Hinata nodded, but the second they stepped out, they heard footsteps running towards them.

"Hinata, TenTen," Lee smiled as he rounded the corner and ran up to them. "Neji and Kiba are in a panic now," he saluted them and then began to pull them in another direction. "I last saw them looking over the courtyard."

"Okay Lee," TenTen groaned, "Just stop dragging us. We are young ladies, not rope."

"You are right," Lee said with a bright smile as he picked Hinata up in his arms and then gave TenTen his back, "Quickly, I will carry you. And if not, I will run laps around the Academy- no the city, until my legs give out!"

"No thanks," TenTen said with a smirk as Hinata was red faced. "Let's go," she motioned for him to follow as they ran through the school to the courtyard. Hinata was suddenly placed on her feet once they reached outside just to be embraced and spun around. "Kiba, you're going to suffocate her."

"Shut up TenTen," he glared at her as he put her back on her feet, but continued to hold her. "I was so worried Hinata. I almost thought that blonde idiot got to you." Hinata blushed as he rubbed his cheek against the top of her head. "You can't run off like that," he held her at arms-length away, "okay?" She nodded lightly with a smile.

"Hinata-sama," Neji walked up to her and began to check her over for injuries, "I was worried after Kiba told about the fight between the Uzumaki and Uchiha, and how the Uchiha began to call out to you." Hinata looked away, remembering how she was so frightened by him; she could guess that he had a spirit as well attached to him. Hinata just wondered which one it was. And she wondered if that one even liked her. "But I am un sure on who is who anymore; did you see a spirit with him?"

"I-I didn't really look at him," she said honestly and Neji nodded. "But I will be careful next time. I don't want to bring out an angry spirit."

"Good move," he nodded, "but at the moment, we will put this behind us and go to our respective classes."

"Or," Kiba stressed with a hopeful smile, "we could not."

"You need all the education you can get, puppy dog." TenTen said with a smile as she ruffled his hair.

"Not to mention that Asuma-sensei is giving out a test today," Lee said as he smiled at them, "we have to hurry so that we can finish before the end of class."

"Agreed," Neji nodded and grabbed Hinata's hand before walking back into the academy. "I shall escort Hinata-hime to class and we will all meet after to discuss better plans on locating her if this ever happens again." He began to list off other orders and it led to all of them walking Hinata back to class. Hinata blushed as she apologized to her class and sensei for being very late and then sat at her desk and tried to pay attention in class.

"You cause such a mess sometimes, Princess."

Hinata paled lightly and glanced over to see that Pein was kneeled beside her desk. She went back to looking at her book.

"I recall, when we were all still in training and you had just turned fourteen," he shifted a bit. "Our trainer had to call our lesson short since you had ditched your studies and no one had seen you since your lunch in your room." he smiled lightly. "I finally decided to go looking for you and I was the one that found you, sitting outside the castle gates with a book in hand and basket full of sweet bread from a nearby bakery." He looked up at her and Hinata felt her cheeks go a little pink. "You promised me that you'd make me the captain of the special group of warriors if I didn't tell anyone you left and bribed me with sweet bread."

"You seemed to have gotten rather pathetic, Pein-sama," the Princess said with a frown and Hinata felt her smile fall a bit. There, Pein sat so happy that she was listening to his story, but the Princess mocked him without him ever knowing. "I left you in charge, and you lost control of your group. They have tried to kill me so many times. And no matter what generation it is, you could never control them. A failed leader." Hinata cringed and Pein took notice to her. He straightened out and looked her over for any sign that she may have been injured. "I was wrong to give any of you such a power.

"I'm okay," Hinata whispered and Pein stopped his check up and then went back to his spot on the floor. Hinata heard a scoff and she looked back to see that Naruto had rolled his eyes and looked to the orange haired warrior on the ground.

"I wish I could have protected you like I vowed…but-"

"That little bitch could never do anything but fuck it up," Hinata snapped her head over to see another warrior had stood right at her desk, with his face right by her own. She fell out of her desk in surprise, and also happened to fall right through Pein's lap. She quickly rolled away from him and flushed red when the class began to laugh.

"What happened Hyuga-san?" Kurenai asked lightly as she walked over to her stunned student.

"N-Nothing," she said as she continued to stare at the white haired warrior, who continued to laugh at her.

"How dare you treat her like that you piece of trash!?" Pein shot up and glared at the other warrior.

"That little bitch will be dead soon enough," he smirked darkly as he reached for the large scythe on his back. "Right after I get my name out of her though."

"I will not allow you to hurt her any more than you already have!" He looked over to Naruto, who was trying to look like he wasn't staring.

"Are you sure that you are alright Hyuga-san?" Kurenai asked as she helped the girl to her feet. "How about I have someone escort you to the nurse's?"

"I'll do it," Naruto suddenly said as he stood up.

"W-What?" Hinata looked to him with wide eyes, but she was not able to protest when he grabbed her arm and began to pull her out.

Once they rounded one of the corners of the hall, he pushed her a bit in front of her and glared, "This is your fault you know."

Hinata flinched lightly and nodded as she looked at her feet. "Y-Yeah…I-I know…"

"I wanted no part in this, you know." He said as he ran his hands through his hair and crouched down. "I spent my whole life trying to think that I was normal and Pein was just some weird made up friend. But then he wouldn't go away." He looked up at her. "I thought if I just ignored him…nothing would happen."

"I…I-I am r-really sorry…U-Uzumaki-san," she bowed to him and then looked to see that Pein was right behind him. When the two made eye contact, he quickly went down on his knees and bowed to her. "Can…Can y-you see him…?"

"I can hear him, see him, as weird as it sounds, I think I can be him too." Naruto rubbed the back of his neck as he looked over to the bowing male. "I figured a leader would have been a little…cooler than he is." He smiled lightly but then looked to Hinata with a straight face. "When you called his name like that, I became able to merge with him; like he uses me as a meat suit." He stood back up, "But…there is something I guess you should know…for your safety Hinata, not for whoever this Princess is." Hinata nodded and listened to him. "Even before you called to him…I was able to do a lot of the stuff he can. My belt buckle," he motioned to it and Hinata saw that he still wore it, "it ties us together and I was once able to summon a lot of his weapons and used them. You should have seen this tree I nearly destroyed."

"So…anyone that hates me…" she said with sudden fear setting in.

"They could be able to get rid of you without being called…but," he frowned lightly as he felt his heart clench as Hinata looked about ready to pass out from fear. "They want to be called Hinata. I can see them…hear them…and some of the just really want to be put to rest, not they would ever admit it."

"Th-Thank you."

"Let's just get to the nurses…I may not like this…but we're friends, right?" He smiled, "I'll stop my pouting and be a man. People will get hurt if I try to fight it, and I'm supposed to be a hero, believe it!" Hinata giggled lightly as a blush rose to her cheeks. She couldn't believe it, after weeks of ignoring her and glaring at her; he was just over it and was willing to protect her. Not the Princess, he wanted to protect Hinata Hyuga and she nearly fainted from happiness at the thought. "Weird question," he said as he walked with his hands behind his head, "who…who was that guy?"

"I…I-I don't know," she said as she tried not to think about him. "B-But I-I was warned n-not to name all of them…s-so…" she glanced over at him and he seemed to nod in understanding. "Do you know?"

"No," he motioned over to Pein, "That guy told me all about them and that whenever they were given to a new host, no matter if they were called to, they just forgot their names all over again, and then he went on and on about how it was my duty to protect you."

"You treat it like I am some kind of joke," Pein glared at him. "Instead of eating your weight in ramen, you should stick to your training."

Naruto mocked him in a high pitched and whiney voice. "I'm the great leader, everything I saw is law, and you should try and eat healthier, blah blah blah." Naruto scoffed at him and smiled. "My own mother can't get me to clean my room, what makes you think you can?" Hinata couldn't help but giggle as Pein began to spout off more commands and defending himself, with Naruto just making faces and mocking him. Hinata was nearly in a fit of laughter as she entered the nurse's office. Naruto stopped for a second to see her laughing and smiling, and he couldn't help but smile himself.

Pein looked over and felt a warmth wash over his body as his Princess tried to tell the nurse that she had fallen out of her desk rather hard. "She truly is lovely…no?"

"I mean," Naruto shrugged as his cheeks turned a light pink, "she's no Sakura…but…Hyuga-san is pretty special too." Pein nodded, but that was never the way that he would describe his Princess, she was far greater than any woman. But, he would leave the blonde alone for now; he would see it sooner or later, like Pein had.

"You seem fine to me Hyuga-san," Shizune, the school nurse, smiled at her as Hinata nodded as she got out the last of her giggles out. "Maybe that walk with Uzumaki-san had cleared the headache away and you seem well enough to get back to class."

"O-Okay," she smiled lightly and bowed to her, "thank you." She walked over back to Naruto, who had waited outside of the room. "She th-thinks I'm o-okay."

"Cool," He smiled as he rubbed the back of his neck, trying to rid of the heat on his cheeks. "We better get back."

"Y-Yeah," she nodded and followed beside him, but as the rounded the corner, she noticed they were in an empty hall, where lockers lined one side and windows lined the other side. She looked out to see they were by the court yard. Hinata stopped and looked down at the sun light courtyard that also worked as an outside classroom. Hinata once had lunch out there, but it was in the nicer months; it was still too cold to do anything. Naruto stopped and also gave it a glance, but he wasn't as impressed as she was.

"Well, well, well," the two looked over and Naruto frowned at the four he saw, while Hinata was seeing two and getting glitch glimpse of the other two. She didn't know how they could disappear from her at times, but she saw Pein all the time. "You are looking well, Hinata," Shikamaru Nara smirked. His uniform was wrinkled mess from probably just waking up from a nap, but he looked wide awake.

"Don't be so informal." Naruto shot back.

"And when did you two become such good friends, hm?" He asked as he shoved his hands into his pockets as he stood at the other end of the hall. "Talk about being informal, captain."

"Nara," Shino said lightly as he put his hand on his shoulder. "Pushing."

"Right," he shrugged his hand off and yawned, "So troublesome to try and force it out of her."

"Just give me a few minutes and I'll force it out of the little bitch!"

"Vulgarity won't work." "Maybe we should just kill her now."

Hinata closed her eyes and pretended that no one was there. "Do not ignore them Hyuga-san, it will only make it worse." Hinata opened her eyes to see Shino was looking in her direction. "All we ask is that you hand over the names-"

"Like hell she will," Naruto glared at them. "I may not want to be a part of this stupid curse, but I won't let you guys bully Hinata."

"Fine," Shino said before Shikamaru could take a step forward. Just as Shino was about to take a step away from them, he ripped off the charm from his glasses and tossed it to her. Naruto was too slow to stop it and Hinata felt a sudden pull in her arms to catch it. "Who am I, Princess?"

"No, Hinata!"

"My dear champion of the forest!" The Princess said with her eyes glazed over as she clasped her hands together and held them to her chest.

"My dear champion of the forest!" Hinata repeated without control as she copied the Princess's movements.

"No, you have to snap out of it," Naruto grabbed her shoulders and shook her. "Keep quiet! You can't say it Hinata!"

"Clever Shino," Shikamaru said with a frown as he looked to him and Shino's spiritual partner.

"Do not fret!"

"D-Do not fr-fr-fret!" Hinata forced out as she was trying to stop herself. Her eyes burned and she turned her head to try and see the Princess, but Hinata could not see her. She took a closer, and her image shifted from her in her uniform, to her in the same dress the Princess wore. "Allow me to free you," she was forced to look back at Shino, who seemed to be shaking. "My warrior, Zetsu-sama!" She didn't react as the room suddenly burst with a bright light, causing all the other lights to burn out and shatter. Naruto instantly covered Hinata. He looked back once the light cleared to see Shino standing in battle uniform.

"What an ugly looking host, hm?" His voice altered, and that was when knew the Zetsu had control of his host. Zetsu removed the glasses on his face and revealed one black eye with a golden iris, and the other the same onyx color. He smiled darkly, "I hope that you have kept that suit of yours in good shape, Pein-sama."

Naruto felt a sudden push, and he was no longer in control of his body. "You seem to forget that I am your leader, weed." Pein seethed as he stood in full uniform and the looked to Hinata. She stood there in shock, with tears of fear running down her cheeks. "I shall deal with you at another time," he glared as Zetsu seemed to ignore him and lightly tap the charm that appeared back on the glasses. "Two is too many."

"Our rotten Princess should learn to hold on to her own sanity," Zetsu said darkly as he put the sun glasses back on. He looked back to Shikamaru, "And Shino said you were supposed to be the smart one."

"Good things come when you wait-" "So don't get so damn comfy in there you plant headed fucker!" the other warrior spoke through and glared at him. He turned away and rubbed his eyes in hopes they went back to normal.

"Until another time then," Zetsu said as he turned and walked off, hopefully leaving the grounds.

Pein looked back to Hinata, who was crouched on the ground and repeating an apology over and over; he sighed and knelt beside her. "You are not at fault…a past life haunts you."

"You…" Hinata looked up at him, "h-have no i-idea."

Pein smiled at her, but Hinata couldn't help but blush, since it was Naruto, only with different eyes. "How about, I just take you home? I think you have had enough for one day."

"Yes, please." She nodded as he helped her up and took her hand before leading her towards an exit. Hinata felt flush, but she quickly shook her head; this was Pein and not Naruto. Naruto really didn't like her like that. He was in love with Sakura. Hinata looked to their intertwined fingers and then looked back up to see his profile. Just this one time, and that would be the end of that.

Just once she would just pretend that Naruto truly cared for her.

(Line Break)

~Hinata's Dream~

I had to keep running.

If I was to stop, they would kill me. They would laugh and cheer as I was ripped limb from limb as I uttered out each and every last name that they needed. I couldn't die though, not with that bitch Princess still merged with me. I couldn't see her, so she had to be within me and telling me where to go. That's how I got all the way out there. She was trying to take me somewhere safe, but at the cost to merge with me. If they caught me now…?

"You have to get out!" I yelled as my eyes burned and she tried telling me that without her, I would never make it. "Look," I yelled, "just follow as best you can and yell out orders like the damn noble you are! If we are caught together, it's not just an end to us; it's an end to this world!" She was stubborn, but she was forced out and I had to stumble to keep up my stride. I listened as she yelled out each turn and exactly what I should be seeing.

I finally made it….she led me to a building that was falling apart.

"This is my fucking safety!" I yelled. But she yelled louder to get in. I ran in and took cover behind a large slab of stone in the center of the room. I could hear the yelling and threats on my life. I began to pray to anyone that would listen. I just want to live.

I want to live.

I want to live.

Nothing was happening. I was just sitting there, listening to nothing. I slowly peeked around and was wide eyed when I saw them just standing there and staring at me. I slowly stood up, and saw they had tensed. I flinched back, but no one made a move to go through the doorway, or any of the holes in the wall. I could feel my heart beating a million miles an hour as I looked at them. Where were my knights, the ones that liked me…where was my boyfriend? I wanted to close my eyes and pray again that they were all safe and alive, but I was afraid to blink for too long. I began to shake when one of them took a step closer.

"You will perish." He glared at me, and it was hard to not cower away from my older brother. He was always so terrifying. "No generation of reborn princess's ever last so long and I have done enough of my waiting to get my revenge on you! No come out and face death like the others before you!"

"You're my brother! You are the one that supposed to keep me safe from danger!" I glared at him and felt the tears burn at her eyes.

"I'm not your brother now you idiot!" He smirked at her.

"Then come on here then," she taunted as she stood atop the stone slab. "Come and strike me you piece of shit!"

"Just leave her be," one of her classmates said as he smirked, "she can't hide forever." They all left and I just stood there, wondering what had made them stop. I mean, I was just waiting for them to kill me; neither of us wanted to be a part of this anymore. I felt a little guilty at how quick I was to give up on life. I have so much to live for…or so I hoped I did. I mean, how am I going to go to college and try not to be killed? How was I supposed to be with my boyfriend when I have the other warriors pinning for my attention? I couldn't have a life like that.

"What…What do I do know?" I asked as I looked around for a reflective surface. I finally found an old metal pot and with a bit of scrapping, I got the dirt off to see that the Princess was behind me. "We can't merge anymore…they are stronger." She didn't say anything though; like she was in a trance. She stared right at the large slab of stone I used as my hiding spot. "You have to do something. I can't fight them off anymore; how do we end this?" But she just walked up to the stone and placed her hands on it. "Come on!" I yelled. "How do I end this!? A curse always has a loophole, right?"

"Princess!"

"Princess, tell me what to do! I can't do this alone anymore! Help me! Help me please!"

"PRINCESS!"

~End of Dream~

"Please help me!" Hinata yelled as she sat up with tears in her eyes. She took deep breaths and looked over to see that Hanabi was standing there, looking like she was about to shake her awake, but now just stood there in shock. "H-Hanabi…" she threw her covers off and sat at the edge of the bed. "What…What is it?"

"Um…" she rubbed the back of her neck, "K-Kō made breakfast for us. I just wanted to get you and stuff," she trailed off as she pulled at the hem of her skirt. "Are you-"

"Thanks Imouto," Hinata smiled as she stood up and went to grab her clean uniform out of her closet, "I'll be down as soon as I can, so save me some, okay?" Hinata looked back at her and smiled a bit more in hopes that her sister would get the message that she really didn't want to talk about what just happened.

"Right," Hanabi scrambled to the later and climbed down.

Hinata closed it after her and quickly changed. She was quick to notice that her legs were scratched up and she had bruises on her knees and the palms of her hands; like she had fallen a lot. Hinata took a deep breath and pulled up her knee socks to cover them up and pulled her hair up into a bun. Hinata grabbed her bag before going down to the kitchen, where Neji and Hanabi were already eating. "Good morning," she said as she kneeled down and began to eat her breakfast Kō had set down in front of her.

"Morning Hinata-sama," Kō smiled brightly as he kneeled down with his tea. "You up late," he teased as Hinata blushed lightly and nodded. "No wonder, you slept right through that loud alarm of yours. I went up to turn it off, but are you well?" He asked before taking a drink of tea. "You looked worried in your sleep."

"Big…Big project coming up," she said lightly. "Just a little stressed out."

"Well," he smiled kindly, "I'm sure that Neji will be happy to help you out." Hinata nodded and Kō stood, "Well, you three be sure that everyone gets to school and I'll pick you up Hanabi-sama," he patted her head. "I must head off; family business and what not." Once Kō was a good distance away, Hinata sighed and pushed away her breakfast.

"We need to talk," Neji said lightly as he stood up and took his plate to the sink.

"I know," Hinata said as she stood up and walked to the bathroom.

"Should I ask what is going on?" Hanabi asked lightly as she looked over to Neji, who was grabbing a bento he had made for himself last night.

"No," was his quick answer as he put his bag on his shoulder. "Come on," he motioned for her to follow, "we have to get going soon." Hanabi nodded and quickly finished the last of her food, and was quick to snag some of Hinata's left over breakfast. She slipped on her shoes as her sister and cousin were already putting on coats. "Here you are Hanabi," Neji held up her red jacket and she thanked him as he helped her put it on.

"How much longer is it supposed to be this cold?" She asked with a groan as they all walked down the long walkway to the sidewalk. "I am tired of this itchy jacket and the academy's stupid sweater vest."

"Only a little longer imouto," Hinata said with a smile.

"Super," she sighed out as she walked a bit ahead of the two.

"Two have been named," Neji said softly with his hands shoved in his pockets.

"Sorry," Hinata whispered back as she pulled the scarf around her neck up a bit more. "I tried…"

"I know," he said. "But we know have a leader and a man that has the power to control plant life." He said like he was reading off facts from a book. "Are either of them…kind to you?"

"N-Naruto-kun said he wants to help me…but not the princess…a-and I don't really know about Aburame-san," she glanced over to him. "I'll be sure to keep my distance."

"Good," he nodded, "I'll be sure to have the mutt keep an eye on him." Hinata nodded and he sighed lightly. "You aren't at fault Hinata-hime…you were thrown into the deep end. Just promise that you will keep fighting."

"I'll try." Hinata said but she couldn't help but think back to her dream.

Why wouldn't she answer?

(End)

Well, tell me what you guys think ^^