Remember

"It was snowing, I remember that because of what happened that day."


"Hyuga Hinata, since your father has been ill for several months, it has come to consule attention that he isn't getting better. With this in mind, we feel its our families best interests to have your father step down," the Hyuga elder peered over his glasses, piercing Hinata with his eyes.

"I know...my..." her voice began to shake, she could feel herself feeling faint until a hand was placed on her shoulder. Turning to her right she could see her cousin Hyuga Neji.

"This event does concern the Branch family and all the members of the family," insisted Neji, who stood firm without any fear or doubt.

"We understand that the Branch family wants some say in the matter but this is a Head family discussion and you should know your place as a Branch family member. Now, Neji step down or will have you removed," the first councilman coughed, turning his attention back to Hinata. His eyes were almost clear as if see through, but each part the only thing whiter was his long snowy hair. It was long like Neji's, tied back into a clean ponytail. Not even a hair moved from place as he back to speak again.

Neji glared still unmoving, unshakin, just showing true determination to be heard by the Head family council.

"We will ask one more time, either step down or..."

"Neji-nii-san has a right to speak!" Hinata blurted from behind her cousin. Everyone around the room froze. No one could believe what had just occurred. Never in all the years of Hinata's life has anyone ever heard her speak up, let alone for someone else's behalf.

"Hinata-sama," Neji whispered, looking back at her in shock. She was still shaking but her posture had changed.

"I am Hyuga Clan's next leader and as the heir I give Neji-nii-san the right to....speak," Hinata's voice broke at the last moment, showing she was still nervous about speaking back to her elders.

Suddenly all her strength vanished from her eyes, leaving her quiet again, confusing all the people around her, especially Neji.

"How dare," the second councilor was interrupted by a harsh voice from the back of the room.

"I am still alive, though I might not look it. Hinata is my oldest daughter, and if she has given Neji the floor to speak then you should be mindful of your next leader." For the first time Hyuga Hiashi stood by her daughter's words, leaving Hinata in shock. Feeling as if she was a lost cause since the beginning, that moment, those words from her father made her feel as if she existed.

Smiling brightly Hinata nodded at Neji to take the floor and speak. The council members looked at each other growling and grumbling. "You are right Hyuga Hiashi-sama, we have spoke out turn. Please Neji you have the floor," the old man said with a tone of hatred.

Neji ignored the old man's tone and began to a speak, "Hinata-sama is the most likely family member to take her father's place but as Branch family member we also need a leader to stand beside Hinata. And since I am Hyuga Hizashi's son I have the right to that position. As it also my father's wishes for me to protect her."

"We were going to discuss that a later date. Like I have said before today's business is of a different matter," the councilman interrupted. " Before all of this confusion we were discussing Hinata taking the place as Head leader. It is our judgment that on Hinata's 20th birthday or the death of her father Hyuga Hiashi which ever comes first, she will take the head of Household. We also pass judgment that by that time she will either have to find a suitable husband for marriage, or marry the leader of the Branch family. That is word, and our word is law."

No one spoke a word, only a small gasp came from Hinata's lips as she covered her mouth with her hand. This wasn't to be expected, not this soon, yet she new that by look at Neji he felt her pain. It was to be the end of her carefree youth, and long cycle of adulthood.