Candy House: Thank you for reviewing and yes, it is him. He will be mention again later. Thank you again and I hope you enjoy this latest chapter. SQUEE
greedfangirl: You really think so? Aw, thank you for that. I hope I keep up with it as well.
Heaven Or Hell: OMG! You're the one that wrote Lee Love Letter right? I love that story. Keep up with it because it is so hard to find a good GaaLee/LeeGaa story out there. Thank you for the review.
otaku no baka: Thank you very much and you hit the nail right on the head. I'll try to incorporate everyone from the Naruto cast in this story. Also, if you have any suggestions for pairings, please tell. I'll try to put it in.
fuu09: XD! I'm glad you like it. More coming!
Effexxor: I'm glad you like it and I'm sorry if Gaara is a bit ooc. I'll try to clean up on that. Thanks for reviewing.
DaUglyChibi: Ah! Thank you! It's an honor. You are one of the fanfic writers that has inspired me after all. And I was upset that there are bearly any GaaLee stories here. Most of them are one shots. Thank you for reviewing and I love your story SQUEE.
Yui -The Last One-: Oh thank you for reviewing. I'm sorry it was short and I'm sorry the next chapter took so long but I had regents and studying to do. Yet, school sucks but what can we do -sigh- Well I hope you like the next chapter.
Firezlight: I'm glad you liked it. More is coming your way -grin-.
Theft and Chivalry
Meeting of Old Friends
Hard aquamarine eyes glared up at the rotund, incandescent moon as he sat upon the roof of a rather handsome looking house. He released a soft velvety noise, much like a sigh, pulling up the collar of his black cloak to conceal the lower half of his face. His pale fingers seemed to reflect the moonlight, causing the small amount of skin to glow with pale, ghostly essence. His flaming scarlet hair, wild and untamed, just like his soul, was brushed gently by the cool breeze. An oddly shaped mass was strapped to his back by a harness but remained covered by an extra piece of black fabric.
His nose scrunched up momentarily before his face became a void of all emotions once again. He didn't know why, but Konoha always seemed to calm him, sending him into a temporary peace that he couldn't find anywhere else. Was it because of the town's motherly nature? Or was it the beautiful springtime feel that seeped out of every corner and borough of the enormous city? Or was it the scent of heavenly harmony and tranquility that invaded his nostrils every time he entered it? He inwardly snorted. He didn't know, and at the moment, he really didn't care. He was here to do what he did best…
His eyes shifted slowly and smoothly from the skies towards the tallest building in Konoha, the Hokage's Tower. According to his understanding of the colossal city, the tower was a place of peace and refuge for all citizens of Konoha, as well as a place of authority. The only thing that mattered to him at that moment, however, was the treasures that rested within those auspicious walls.
He smirked as he rose to his feet, "Such a naïve place. They should appoint better knights these days."
With a swift yet graceful gesture of the hand, the sound of rustling winds could be heard as a scratchy yet warm substance, seemingly coming out of no where, enveloped him. If there had been a witness to watch this mini event, they would have said how a man had vanished before their very eyes in a whisk of wind and sand.
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"Lee-kun. T-that's very nice of you but I can carry my own--."
"No, no Sakura-chan. It is only right for a gentleman such as me, to assist a woman in need. Besides, you've been working so hard with Tsunade-sama, it's the least I can do."
"Lee…" Sakura said, her short pink hair swaying as he shook her head in disbelief, "You haven't changed one bit."
The tall male let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his neck, "Yeah, I get that a lot."
The young woman smiled up at Lee happily, handing her suitcase to him, "Arigato Lee-kun. I'm sorry to be a burden to you like this but I promise this arrangement is temporary. I should only be staying a few months and-"
Lee laughed a hearty, genial laugh, taking the luggage in both hands, "Sakura-chan. It's alright. I'm always happy to be of service to you so there's no problem."
The two young adults walked from the eastern gates of Konoha towards the eastern plaza, not so far from the current destination, Lee's home in Southern Konoha. The pinkette, a petit woman with a curvaceous body, fair skin, and eyes that could make the brightest emerald dull, was known as Haruno Sakura. She's known as one of the deadliest and brightest healers of her generation and a notorious apprentice of Tsunade, one of the finest healers of the century. Sakura was also a woman with great beauty that matched equally with her strength; she could knock out the biggest thug on the block with a simply flick of her finger and walk away without a scratch. She wasn't a woman anyone but her equals would mess with.
Sakura blushed, "Aw, your so sweet Lee but you know it's bad to flirt with someone who's already claimed ne?"
Lee nearly stumbled forwards, almost dropping the suitcases that he once held comfortably in his hands, "N-n-nande yo?! I would never do such a low and selfish act. It is most disgraceful and- you're claimed Sakura-chan?"
She nodded, holding up her left hand to showoff a rather breathtaking wedding band encircling her ring finger. It was one of the most pricy pieces of jewelry he had ever come in contact with and it caused his eyes to widen with wonder, "Uh-huh. He was one of Tsunade's assistants. He can't leave her side to visit me so I go visit him at least once every month. The wedding will take place in Konoha during the autumnal equinox so you can meet him then."
"Oh… souka…" Lee breathed out, a bit disappointed. Ever since the two were toddlers, Lee had liked Sakura. He would try his best to protect her and gave 160% in doing so. He would take her to Konoha's many festivals whenever other men were taken, and even comforted her when girls from school made fun of her. It was his natural goal to make Sakura happy, no matter what.
Sakura blinked up at Lee, frowning slightly for hurting her friend but soon giggled as an idea struck her, "Heh, but I bet if he saw you, he would think that I was being unfaithful, I mean. Look at you Lee-kun. I haven't seen you in 2 years and you've became this handsome man with a great figure and…"
Lee blushed, trying to hide his tomato red face with Sakura's suitcases but at the same time grinned inwardly at the compliment, "S-sakura-chan please…"
It was the truth. Rock Lee was a tall male, as fit and agile as an experienced knight but as handsome and noble as a prince. His face was shaped delicately, like a child's face but balanced and firm like a soldier's. He had huge, doughy eyes the color of rich chocolate and thick eyebrows. His raven black hair, cut evenly at the bangs, was long and pulled back into a loose braid that reached up to his lower back. His body was well sculpted and athletic, not to 'macho' but no where near fragile.
"I bet you even have fangirls drooling after you like love sick puppies."
Lee's blush intensified as he shook his head vigorously, "No no no! I'm just a humble man here. Nothing more. I-."
"Hi Lee-kun!" came a chorus of giggly voices. The two turned towards the call to see three girls bunched up together, giggling their heads off (it mysteriously intensified when Lee turned towards them).
Lee hesitantly waved at them shifting the luggage to one hand. They let out a sound, close to a 'squee' and ran off together in the opposite direction, leaving a dumbfounded Lee and a triumphant Sakura behind.
"…well, maybe I do but I'm only a humble resident here, just like everyone else is."
Sakura held out an index finger, wagging it in protest, "Oh I beg to differ, Rock Lee. I've gotten news from Tenten that you own your own blacksmith shop not so fair from your home, correct?"
"Uh…well I…"
Sakura continued in her 'as-a-matter-of-fact' voice, "Not only that, but you're rather talented and everyone comes to you for help in the field of metal mending. Anywhere from repairing horse shoes to creating a highly complicated blade, they're right there, looking for your assistance. Even those tight asses from Northern and Western Konoha come down to get your services."
Lee gasped, "Sakura! Such vulgar language!"
"Well it's true. They are the most snobbish people around and the fact that they would only come down to Eastern or Southern Konoha just to get a sword repaired from a well known blacksmith is a bunch of bull."
Lee sighed, "Neji tells me the same thing but he's a bit more…uh…graphic with his language."
Sakura nodded, placing her hands on her hips, "Same old Neji. He and Hinata are still trying to change the Hyuuga laws against the main branch, right?"
"Yeah, they've been working on it for a bit over a year. The head branch leaders are still stubborn but they're slowly getting through to them. Hinata was sent away as a delegate for Konoha though, so they had to discontinue the arguments momentarily. She should be coming back this evening."
"Ah, I'm glad. A bit of change would do this city some good."
Lee smiled down at Sakura, "You really think so?"
"I know so. This city has too many customs that need to be broken. There are no female healer schools within Konoha and the ones that do exist here are too expensive for me to pay. That's why I was so lucky that Tsunade-sama took me in as her apprentice. I wouldn't have learned anything from those snobby schools anyway."
Lee gave the pinkette a huge, spotless grin that could seemingly reflect the sunlight by ten fold, "I'm proud of you Sakura! You're determination and glowing flame of youth ceases to burn out! Yosh- WAH!"
Lee had tried to throw up a thumbs-up sign to form his famous nice guy pose but had forgotten about the weight in his arms. As a result, it caused him to tumble backwards, the suitcases tumbled afterwards. This made the pinkette laugh as she bent down next to her collapsed friend, "Thank you Lee-kun. I appreciate it."
Lee just blinked up at Sakura, grinning shyly, "Heh, g-gomen."
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"…Pointless."
The pale lips of the 'demon' breathed out as he knocked out the last guard that stood in between him and what he wanted. Pulling back a lock of loose hair that had fallen in front of his left eye as he slowly walked down the now silent halls of the Hokage's Lower Tower Area, heading for the treasury vault. His footsteps echoed, bouncing over the floors and walls in a haunting manner.
'Why do you spare their lives, boy? Why not grind them down into a bloody mess like we do with so many others? Is it not pleasing to spill blood anymore?' said the sinister voice from the back of his consciousness, tempting him ever so slightly with its haunting influence.
No…
Quite the contrary; the crafty red head loved the sight of blood. The way it flowed from the wound like a river and the way his victims would scream when they're bones broke and shifted dangerously under ripped skin, grinding and contorting their original body structure into a pile of bloody remains. He loved blood and the many things he did in order to see it. Smell it. Taste it…
'Their existence will no be missed.' The voice carried on; its persuasive words, like an appealing drug, sunk into the intruder's brain, 'They wont even feel the pain…'
'Not here…not this place…' was his simple reply, even though he wanted to comply, 'Blood will not be shed in this town by my sand.'
Konoha, to him, was a place that calmed him in a mothering way; as if there was something he yearned for within the city but…what? Was is love?
HA! He loved only himself. Why would he seek love from an unknown source within a foreign city?
Was it a place of peace that seemed to control the bloodlust that often woken inside of him? Possibly…
All he knew is that blood will not stain the floors of this place. Konoha, he believed, was the only place closest to heaven on this impure and darkened human plain. His soul, a perfect example of such a plain, could never be welcome into the real heaven so why no the next best thing?
'…you're crazy, boy…'
His pale lips curled into as devilish smirk, "You don't say."
The intruder stopped once he approached a door, bolted shut by iron nails, protective spells written neatly on scroll paper, and closed shut with gaudy iron locks. It was as if they were expecting him… how sweet. His smirk grew with amusement, "Trying to step up the challenge eh? You have to try better than that."
Slowly bringing his hands upward, putting his finger tips together with palms touching, he mumbled what would, to some people, sound like a prayer but anyone who knew this man would know better than to believe that. The incantation that was whispered so flawlessly from his lips could make the bravest swordsman shrink and shiver in fear. With every syllable he spoke, the air around him became colder, as if a depressing presence has suddenly made itself known. Once he finished his haunting chant, his darkened eyelids closed.
'Boy… don't get reckless with my power. If you overexert yourself―'
'I know. That won't happen so silence your worries.'
A chuckle was heard, 'I am not concerned about you, brat. This is my body as well and you're carelessness will kill us both if you keep this up.'
He breathed in slowly, smirking widely as he uttered the final words of the incantation. His lips parted once again, "Shukaku no Sabaku…"
His eyes snapped open, revealing yellowish ember irises took the place of the usual aquatic green. A serge of vicious and demonic energy entangled with his senses, crawling upon his skin and across the floors underneath him. He exhaled a breath filled with a mixture dark pleasure and untitled anger stepping closer to the barrier before.
"Sorry Shukaku, but this body belongs to me and only me. You're just here for the ride."
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"Hinata-onee-chan!"
The girl turned around quickly at hearing her name being called. She was caught slightly off guard when a shorter version of herself flew into her arms and hugged her like there was no tomorrow. The woman, now known as Hinata, hugged the girl back with a welcoming smile.
"Hanabi-chan, its b-been a while," She said as she looked down into big pale lavender eyes.
"It's about time you came back home. Neji and I were worried about you," Hanabi said pulling away from her sister, he smile never leaving her face.
"I-I was only gone for a few months but t-thank for your concern Hanabi," Hinata said pulling back a lock of midnight blue hair and tucked behind her ear shyly. They were sisters, not whole bloodedly but they sure didn't look like it. They both had the same facial structure and pupil-less lavender eyes. The only difference was age and hair colors; Hinata's was midnight blue and Hanabi's was chestnut brown.
"Hello Hinata-sama," came a deeper, masculine voice, causing the young heiress too look up from her sister's face and into that of her cousin's, Hyugga Neji. He was about 4 inches taller then her with a rather lovely face. His eyes, pupil-less, but an alluring pale blue. His long hair, the color of dark coffee, reached up to his thighs and was pulled haphazardly into a loose ponytail. He wore the usual Hyugga garments; black and white for the colors of balance and bits of red for the strong and pure blood of the Hyugga clan. Hanabi wore the same thing, hers being a bit more feminine than Neji's but it was cute to see a matching pair.
Hinata smiled, "Good e-evening Neji-onii-san. Long time no see."
He gave her a small smile in return, and taking in Hinata's new appearance. It may have only been 6 months since he last saw her but she sure changed. Instead of where bulky clothing that hid her body, she wore an elegant and slimming black dress that reached down to her ankles, a white sweater covering her bear arms. Her hair, once short and choppy, had grown and now reached up to her middle back. Her face was no longer a pale void of life but rosy and alive. Her stutter did seem to change but he didn't mind; it suited her.
"How was the trip?" He asked
"It was great. W-We established an alliance with t-the Waterfall Village. S-Suna as well but there were so c-complications with that one. There seems t-to be a group of r-rogues that originated from Suna but the delegates told us that they have no c-control over their actions. We have joined f-forces with them to find and convict the group for their c-crimes. They also b-believe that the group doesn't just consist o-of Sunians; They b-believe it's people from all o-over this country."
"Crimes? What kind of crimes?"
"Theft, t-treason towards their v-villages, breaking and entering, murder … the list is endless…" Hinata said as Neji stared at her, bewildered.
"Gods…"
"Hey!" Hanabi shouted up at the two, causing them to look down at her, "When are we going to eat? I'm absolutely famished!"
Hinata looked to Neji with a questioning look who just gave her an innocent smile, "We're going to dinner with Lee and Sakura. They're probably at the restaurant already."
"Sakura? S-She's back?"
"Yes. I talked to Lee recently and he had told me ahead of time so we came up with a dinner date for all of us so we could catch up on old times. I started to leave Hanabi but―"
"OI! That's mean Neji-onii-chan," The younger girl shouted as she started to pout childishly.
Neji cleared his throat, glaring lightly at the girl, "…but she wanted to see her sister so badly so I decided to bring her."
The pout turned into a grin as she threw a fist in the air, "Damn straight!"
Hinata gasped, "H-Hanabi-chan! Watch your m-mouth!"
The young Hyugga ignored her sister, "I love you too sis! NOW let's get something to eat!"
Neji rolled his eyes as he walked ahead of the two sisters, leading the way, "It's near the center of town; I believe it's the restaurant that Chouji runs."
Hinata blinked at the back of her cousin's neck as she followed him down the street, "Chouji owns his own r-restaurant too?"
Neji glance back at Hinata, "You did miss a lot but we'll fill you in as soon as we get there and get acquainted with old friends, ne?"
Hinata blushed, "H-hai Neji-onii-san."
A/N: Sorry this took so long, I had a writers block and I wasn't sure of what to write but I promise the next chapter will be coming soon. I hope you enjoyed.