((Disclaimer: No I do not own Naruto ))

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It was growing late in the evening. The suns' palest gleams could be seen over the far horizon as a few glistening stars started to flicker into existence; brightening up the dark amber blue sky. Most of Konohakagure had already retreated into their homes for the night, leaving behind a blanket of silence. Within the town, colorful lanterns were being lit to cast an orange glow along the streets for light. An obvious sign that it was way past evening and was heading into the dark hours of night. All was quiet, all except for the sound of clinking metal that was drifting out along the air from Team Gai's training grounds. The loud "thwclinks" tore through that deafening silence to the ears of any, whom walked past the fields at this hour.

Inside the gate, the Kunoichi known as TenTen was hurling her weapons at some targets she had posted on a few trees. She had her own small target range set aside from that of one the Hyuuga prodigy and Taijutsu genius from her squad normally used. TenTen had set it up by herself, wanting a bit more of a challenge from the dull lighting she was given from the surrounding forest-like scenery. Narrowing her hazel orbs, the female was trying to focus her full attention on what she was doing. Which wasn't working to well at the moment; the mistress of weapons was actually failing miserably at keeping her attention on her training, this being the first in a long while that concentration was a factor she was lacking on. Ten had never been known to loose her train of thought during a mission, nor training for that matter. But here she was, her mind wandering, and some how always finding herself returning back to the thought of the chain of current events which was starting to get on her nerves.Sighing inwardly, the weapon genius bowed her head to try and shake off the unneeded distraction. Finally gathering back her thoughts, the weaponress searched for another weapon impatiently. Picking up the next tool of choice, she sent yet another metal object flying forward with a simple flick of the wrist.

'Thwclink'!!

The kunai had hit the mark perfectly. This wasn't much of a surprise since TenTen always seemed to have precise aim of her targets. It was simply from the trained skill TenTen held with perfect accuracy. Her knowledge with weapons being so great, that she has the ability to hit the same target one hundred times in one hundred tries, which is a perfect one hundred percent hit rate. A ratio that doesn't falter. If you think about it, the Kunoichi was the mere definition of a true weaponry genius. The only possible way in which the brunette could ever actually miss would have to be by force, such as losing concentration the last moment or by having the projectiles moved out of aim with air or sound waves. This would only be due to the fact that her opponent could use nature to overthrow the weapons and make them stray out of target. But, other then that, she was simply a pure genius at ranged attacks. Having not only a devastating ability of accuracy, yet being able to keep balance between offense and defense.

'Thwclink-ck-ck'!!

TenTen had launched a handful of shuriken at another target this time, and each projectile hitting the mark just as expected. Letting a kunai hit the next target dead center, she stood back, taking in the aim to compliment herself. Grinning, she casually twirled another in her hand, much the way a child would play with a toy, as a little bit of satisfaction went shining through her sparkling hazel orbs. After chucking the kunai as well, the Kunoichi let her hues dart from target to target, deciding which would be the next mark. Dropping her right limb down by her side, her hand made its way around to her hip with self-confidence. Running her thumb under the already un-buttoned pouch, she popped open the flap with quick succession. Using the thumb to hold the holster open, the brunette's index finger pushed down into the shadows of the tool holder; followed by her middle finger. The two fingers blindly felt around to search for the remaining supply of arsenal the Kunoichi had brought with her. Smirking softly to herself, the warm fingertips finally passed over the cool metal of her last two kunai. Arranging her hand just right, the fingers slipped into the loops of each blunt end the ninja tools possessed; allowing her to lift them out with ease. Within a split second, the two kunai were tossed into the air. Countered by the female bending down slightly to push her right leg behind her in one swift motion. Using that leg to push off with momentum, she leaped up to follow the kunai; jerking her hands upward quickly to retrieve the kunai hilts. When the blades were in range, she grasped the ninja knives tightly, pulling them flat against her palms. During that time and still in mid-air, TenTen brought her arms closer to her form. Giving herself the ability to cross the limbs over her chest as her body started to flip forward. Almost like that of an airborne summer sault. Before following through with the complete turn, the weapon mistress shoved onward; putting force behind the throw as the ninja tools left her hands. Even with the winds current whipping past her ears to drown out the sounds of life around her, the loud collision the metal made with the trees bark could still be heard loud and clear.

'Thwclink-ck'!!

The kunai landed beside the other, perfectly in the middle of the mark. But to her dismay, she had thrown it a lot harder by accident; burying it rather deep into the tree. Just perfect; now it would take an eternity to wiggle it free. This she knew all too well. Slowly lowering her lids to close her eyes on the dismount, TenTen landed in that of a crouching position. Supporting her weight on her left knee as it plummeted into the dirt to bring her falling body to a halt. Her upper form was forced to bend forward, letting the sprawled out fingers of her right hand press against the earth to steady her balance. Keeping her head arched down, her free arm came down to rest the elbow on top of her knee; belonging to the leg that was being held up by the ball of her foot. Sighing deeply, the weaponress shook her head at her own stupidity, knowing that it was going to take absolutely forever to wiggle them free. Lifting up her eyelids in annoyance, she rolled her hues up to peer through her bangs at the targets, taking in the sight of the damage her weapons had inflicted. There was a numerous amount of metal scattered out among the targets, reflecting the moon rays that were broken through the tree tops in small spots of silver and gray, as if teasing her with the vision. Letting the Kunoichi know they were adding to the count of tools she had to gather back before calling it a night. Well, at least the other ninja tools could be pulled back to her by her chakra stings which saved a little time. Yet, the brunette was still going to have to work on the last two kunai by hand that were buried into the tree with an unspecified distance below the barks surface.

Raising her body back into a standing position, the female shoved off with her palm. Using it to give a small spring of energy to stand fully. Once both feet were squared on the ground again, TenTen sighed deeply while tugging on the chakra strings. The weapons came to her like obedient dogs, clicking and bumping together along the way before reaching their destination. Once that objective was complete, the kunoichi groaned heavily as she strolled over to start on her new task. Retrieve the kunai. Standing in front of the tree, she stared at the trunk as if it had something to do with the kunai being lodged so far into the surface. Tilting her head to the side, she placed her hands on her hips to think about how she was going to go along with this. Bringing her left hand to her face, the Kunoichi started to tap her index finger on her chin while suggestions were being turned over in her mind. Finding no easy solution, TenTen reached up to place both hands firmly on the hilt of her first kunai. Moving her wrists side to side, the weaponress attempted to jiggle the weapon free; which was becoming time consuming. Not to mention energy draining. After some time, the kunai popped free with a 'thunk', making the female unexpectedly stumble back a few paces from the sudden release. Mumbling gently, Ten placed the kunai in her pouch before doing the same to the last and final tool.

Soon success was made and the last kunai popped free. The brunette returned that weapon as well to its original place in exhaustion before turning on her heels to head back over to the grounds' main training fields. It was a bit of a walk, before she would reach the field, which just happened to be a good spot for stargazing. A good spot to lie down and gather back some of her lost energy. Dragging her feet somewhat as she made her way towards the field, she figured she would relax some before heading back home. As the female strolled along, her hues floated around the scenery, taking in the surroundings before looking up to the night sky. Her eye sparkled from the moons' iridescent rays, and was growing even more vivid in color from its effects. Surprisingly, a smile soon crept across her soft lips, obviously pleased with the beautiful sight. TenTen had always been a fan of the night, ever since she could remember, and tonight was a gorgeous sight. One to remember.

Adverting the orbs back to the rocky path, she continued the rest of the walk with an absent mind. Seemingly to be deep in thought when she reached the field a few moments later. Stopping by a small patch of dark shaded grass, she knelt down, lowering her body into a crouching form before setting her left hand behind her on the ground. Letting her body drop into a sitting position now, she laid back into the prickly grass as the earthy blanket engulfed her body's' senses. Hastily, one arm raised to be placed behind her head while her other was resting on her stomach, moving up and down with each breath the weaponress took.

Feeling slightly uncomfortable, the Kunoichi shifted in movement, stirring a bit so she could sit up and bring both her arms behind her body to plant her elbows into the ground. Using her limbs to keep the top portion of her torso tilted in an upward slant, TenTen adjusted her body to the left, making a motion to move her hands to the back of her head. Avoiding her trademark buns that only she could pull off, her fingers roamed over to the tie her head protector was fastened with. After untying the knot, her left arm relaxed while reaching around to grasp a hold of the metal plating that had the leaf symbol elegantly engraved into it's smooth surface. Lifting the headband from her forehead, the female held the band tightly in that hand before setting it aside as she rearranged her body again, lowering her back against the ground once more. Looking away to catch another glimpse of the star ridden sky against the bluish gray blanket of darkness, before very slowly, bringing both her hands up to her head. This time lacing her fingers behind her neck. She gently rested her own head in her hands before she shut her orbs, nestling into the grass a little more. The air at first was a perfect temperature, fresh and crisp, so that every breath threatened to splinter. But it was dropping rapidly, causing the Kunoichi to shiver just a bit.

The ground was still slightly warm though, due to the effects from the summer days sun casting its glow over the field all afternoon. Lifting her left leg, TenTen placed it over the right in a stretched out motion, crossing her legs in a way as she laid there in silence. The crickets and other sounds of life around the female danced across the breeze, surrounding her in music of the night. Her ears started to become atoned to the sounds fairly quickly, as always. Still keeping her eyes shut, another calm breeze trailed by. The current picking up the distinctive scent of raspberries, which was odd for this setting, it was then obvious that it was her natural scent. Explaining the misplaced aroma of the bittersweet berries. Soon, the Kunoichi brought her full attention back to breathing. Bringing in a deep inhale of air, holding it for a few seconds before exhaling in a long, silent release. The weapon mistress was just simply enjoying the cool atmosphere while being drowned out by the night's existence.

The night had such a calming feel, almost enough to, well, put one to sleep. And that is exactly what had happened. That lovely lullaby, sung by the wondering existence of the darkness, soon put the Kunoichi into a deep slumber. Leaving behind a resting female, having only the moons iridescent glow to blanket her body for warmth. Oh how this beautiful experience healed all her ails, if only it would last though. But, as with everything, dreams must come to an end at some point in time right?

Within her state of rest, there were images of memories that played out in a saddening sequence; something the Kuniochi's mind put together from recent events. One might call it a dream; but for others who know this all too well, TenTen, was indeed, having a nightmare. In the state of abstraction, her vision was starting out blurry at first, before the distorted image of her teammate slowly flashed into view. His back was turned to her, in more of a shameful way then that of a simple cold shoulder; which was odd for a member of a team to do towards another. The Hyuuga prodigy was disgusted; not even being able to look the weapon user in the eyes. Extended on all sides simultaneously, nothing else surrounded the male, letting the brunette focus her full attention on the fellow nin; which was making the situation a little more harder to bare then need be. It was like the two were standing in a darkened room, filled with an ever lasting void of shadows. Of darkened pasts, memories, and current secrets. An abyss having unheard of experiences that would tear at a persons soul until there was nothing left but an empty heart.

And then, audio emitted, clinging to the air in a way to drown out the far off sound of liquid dripping into a watery surface. Neji's voice became clear, breaking the silence to shatter it into a thousand pieces while the tiny pieces pierced TenTen's heart.

"Love? How could I ever love such a pathetic excuse for a ninja. Perhaps if you would focus your attention upon training more then this ridiculous infatuation, you might actually be of use to this squad. Face it TenTen, you are weak."

You know, maybe those words wouldn't have hurt so bad if they weren't true. As hard as it was for the brunette to admit, the female was the weakling to Team Gai. Even though her accuracy skills were something to praise, her Taijutsu and Ninjutsu were something to be questioned; at least in her eyes anyways. How in this world could she ever even come close to the level of her teammates? A Hyuuga prodigy, one with the strength of at least ten men, and a Taijutsu genius with the speed unlike any other. Lets just face it, compared to those two, poor TenTen looks like she's standing still in battle. But then, there was her ambition; something that she would forever have no matter how many people attempted to bring her down. And so, with tears trying to whelm in her eyes, and a heavy heart, the female parted her lips to speak. To protest on his words, and show that he was wrong. Hyuuga was so wrong. She was no weakling damn it, but what hurt the most was his rejection.

To be a great ninja, of course it takes long hours of training and discipline; something the teen could work at easily and knew how to approach with a sense of honor. Though, as for the process of mending her broken heart, now that was something foreign to the Kunoichi. For so long, Neji had been the center of her attention, being her first love, and now, it would seem that he was to be the first to break her heart as well. Perhaps, getting things off her chest would start the healing process; if not, it was bound to make her feel a little better. Hyuuga was about to get his ears chewed out, and that would just be the start of things.

"..."

Nothing came out. She was speaking, but there was no words.

Nothing at all. No sound, no words, not even the slightest murmur escaped her lips. It was then when the shaken female realized that she had no voice. But why? Startled, the weapon mistress went to move, controlling the muscles in her left leg so she could take a step forward. The sudden motion was now sending out a cascading flow of ripples dancing over the floor beneath her form with each movement her body made. Ignoring everything, her arm reached forward to touch the arm of the man standing before her form. All that was released from his lungs was an ire, mute reply.

There he was, the warrior she had so longed to be with, to stand at his side proudly, and yet he had nothing more to say to her in such terms. And now it was made crystal clear that such things would never happen. The brunette would never be with Neji. Never stand at his side, more importantly, would never have the chance to call him her own. Not even in a world created by her subconscious could she be with the Hyuuga.

Closer and closer her trembling hand went, moving its way towards the back of the male to try and preform the current task it was given. Which was to grab the prodigy's attention. Though, just as her fingertips brushed over his shoulder with the lightest touch, the males form started to go transparent. Right before her eyes, the familiar form started flickering before slowly fading away from the horrid atmosphere. Mostly, going further and further from the brunette during space and time.

Soon, nothing was left to the eye, leaving behind tiny ripples in the lake the two were standing upon; only to prove he occupied that area at one point in time.

'No...no...'

"NO!"

Her last and final 'no' caused the teens form to collapse; forcing her body to plummet to her knees in a forceful manor while the echoing sounds bounced around her in a teasingly fashion. Taunting TenTen much the way a cat would a tiny mouse before going in for the pounce. The echos managed to send chilling tingles through her nerves to fizzle out at the nerve endings; only serving to make the hairs on her body come to a stand. During all this, a giant wave of water; engulfed her body. Obviously due from the hard collision her knee caps made with the clear substance covering the outer layer of the boundary beneath her. This was followed by...

Jerking her form up into a seated position from the state of slumber, the female panted out heavily; trying to catch her breath that had suddenly been stolen from her lungs. It had been more then a couple of days since Neji refused to return her affections, but it seemed the Kunoichi was still being tormented by the incident. How she longed to just take back what she said and just go back to the way things were. Though, this was a wish that would never be granted. Painful to admit, but nothing between the two would ever be the same; leaving behind broken promises, empty hopes, and forgotten dreams.

Finally gathering enough oxygen to satisfy her craving for fresh air, the Kunoichi lifted her left hand; rubbing at the back of her neck before sighing inwardly. Shaking the thoughts from her head, she was soon rid of the torturous memories.

"Bah...get a grip TenTen. In order to be stronger then the you of yesterday, there's no way you can afford distractions. I'm just going to have to up my training hours."

After her words where breathed out into the world with a low, whispered out breath, she let her limb go limp so it could return to it's original location. Soon, the brunette went to firmly set the palm of her right arm on the moist ground to her side; at which was starting to loose it's once perfect temperature to the chilling nights air before making a notion to stand. While using the extended right limb to steady her upper body, more along the lines of leverage, the bun haired female slipped her left leg around to be brought under her body. In this position, the Kunoichi was able to place the rest of her weight on her that knee; allowing her free leg to be raised. Once the sandal covered foot was flat on the Earthy surface, her body was hoisted up into a standing form. In the process, the palm released the grass covered dirt while her other leg came forth to follow suit with the first. Now that she was standing, the weapon mistress gave a soft, yet very cute yawn before shifting her form onto the balls of her feet. She was just going to have to call it a night and head home. So, using her heels to swiftly change the direction she was facing, the girl changed it so she could face the familiar destination of the grounds' gates in order to start the long walk home.

Stepping off with her right, the female started in the same, slow paced stride she used earlier when the Kunoichi had made her way back into the main training fields. Though, this stroll shouldn't take as long since the gates were with in a mile limit. When the sight of a silver Cris-crossed wired fence came into view, this was a sign she was in range of the gates; which put her stride into a quicker going flow. She was determined to get home and grab what rest she could get before waking to another lustreous morning in Konohakagure. Finally stopping at the entrance, the teen pushed on the metal fence, opening the passageway to allow her departure. Thinking about how she could get more of a challenge from training, TenTen had been so absent minded that the Kunoichi didn't even realize she had walked the entire way home without a single clue on where her feet were taking her until she stood at her front door step. The familiar sight of the apartments sliding door registering into her brain was the cause for the broken train of thought that brought her to her senses.

"Oh, I'm home already?"

Shrugging, the weaponress blinked a few times while standing still to try and bring the blurry image into focus. During which, her left limb reached forward to grasp the doors wooden frame so she could open the entrance to her home. Pulling it left, against the the decorative runners, the door slid open easily without much resistance. Being a good thing, considering how much fatigue the brunette was under during the moment. After standing in place for a few more seconds, she let out a long, drug out sigh of relief that she was home before slowly bending down to unbuckle her ninja sandals so she could set them on the wooden floors surface that seemed to cover her small living carters.

Once that objective was completed, those bare feet of hers drug her body into the apartment, making their way up the stairs of her home, and leading the Kunoichi into the hallway that lead to no other pace then that of her bedroom. Thank God too. Now it was time to give her body a well deserved rest. To refuel her batteries, and ready herself for the obstacles the next day possessed. After all, she was a ninja, and needed to be alert at all times.

Inside the walls of her welcoming room, her hues fixated on the wonderful sight of her bed. Never had it looked so comfy and warm; calling out to her the closer she got within its range of sight. Not even bothering to change into her night clothes, the brunette flung her body onto the mattress of her bed; plopping her form down to make a loud 'puff' sound as her body made contact with the blankets. Using her left elbow to roll her body over, the female forced herself onto her hands and knees; going to crawl to head of the bed so she could shimmy under the covers. Once situated under the confines of the sheets, the Kunoichi's tiny hands fumbled with the hair pins to her buns; going to undo the bobs so her hair could unravel onto the white pillow case her head was resting on with a thankful existence.

Just as soon as her hair was down, the brunette's hazel orbs started to close. Making her hues disappear behind a thine veil of skin while her body took over in the habit of sleep.

Finally, TenTen was fast asleep, and this time, having no dreams of that dreadful day.

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(( A/N)) : It killed me to write the dream part...I'm a big NejiTen fan so it was really hard to make Neji say such things to Ten. -Sniffle- But! There is good news. The next chapter will be much happier...but I'm having a little trouble deciding on what I'm going to do. I can't decide on if I want to make it into a NejiTen fanfic and get Neji to apologize. Or bring Kiba into it so Kiba can heal TenTen's heart and make it a KibaTen fanfic. Review and let me know who you think about the story so far, along with your idea's on who I should try to bring in. ))