The Path of Destruction
Chapter 4
By: Aireonna
Disclaimer: Again, I do not own Naruto. Which presently isn't so bad considering all the character deaths going on that are causing fans to riot ahaha….
A/N: So this story is turning out all right so far, it's very difficult to not give things away though. So, if you are lost, that's the plan. Here's your update!
"Does she always black-out like this?"
I dimly made out a mans voice that I wasn't quit familiar with.
I expected to wake feeling a little sore, knowing I had fainted once again in front of witnesses. What was getting into me lately? But, the soreness never welcomed me.
Groaning, I decided it wouldn't be the smartest to try and move yet.
"Ah, sleeping beauty arises."
"Kakashi-sensai!" I could register the last voice as Sakura's.
Odd, I don't remember the ground being this soft.
Opening my eyes, I found myself resting in the lap of the very cause of my current dismay. My eyes widening, I glanced around to see said Kakashi kneeling beside us and my dear Sakura standing over me.
It took me a second to comprehend it all and when I finally did I shot up. Coincidently, not being the smartest idea I've ever had, my body swaying a little in response.
"Whoa there tiger, take it easy." Sakura always had such a way with words in times of need.
Clearing my throat, I ran my hand over my clothing to brush any dirt off. I seemed to enjoy ruining them these days.
"I am so very sorry, I do not know what has come over me lately." I smiled an embarrassed smile and tried to clear the dizziness that threatened me still.
My skin felt on fire and my head was pounding like the morning gong, not showing any sign of ceasing. I felt suddenly weak and parched. My eyes raised to the sky, the sun already being rather high today, beating its heat upon our village. Wincing, I covered them with my stray hand and sighed.
"You sure you're alright now?"
My eyes fell to the ground, where Sakura's friend seemed to still be resting, to make eye contact with him as he spoke. My cheeks flushed instantly and I turned my gaze from his burning black orbs.
"She's just fine. Could be the heat is getting to her, that's all." Sakura smiled sweetly and stepped towards me.
I swallowed, my throat dry and tongue rough against the roof of my mouth.
"Yeah, that's got to be it. Sorry, um, what was your name?"
"Sasuke." His voice was very rough and to the point, lost of any emotion. He pushed himself up from the ground and turned to face Kakashi.
Oddly, it felt like a rude gesture, like we were both suddenly dismissed from his presence.
Kakashi bowed his head to the man before him, his eyes holding a certain mysterious glow to them. It's as if they were having an entire conversation just through a simple stare.
Feeling suddenly out of place, I shuffled my feet awkwardly.
"Maybe me getting out wasn't the best of plans." My eyes sought out emerald gems.
Sakura didn't look so distressed as I felt. She always held herself together in front of others, which was something I admired. Even under such intense heat, her form seemed unscathed. Not even a drop of perspiration seemed to dare touch her ivory skin.
"I can walk you back if you want."
My eyes widened at her statement, waving my hands frantically.
"Oh! No, that is quit alright. I'm sorry to have troubled you already. I'll be fine heading back alone. Sorry to disappoint, I know how you rather enjoy getting us into trouble."
She only laughed at my choice of words.
"You speak as if I'm some sort of she-devil." Her smile seemed wicked at that moment.
And amusingly, it crossed my mind.
"Sakura-san…" Kakashi spoke from behind us, startling Sakura. She seemed to have been focused on us, forgetting that the two even still remained.
"If it's trouble you were hoping for, I can help with that."
"The trouble I get into dear Kakashi-sensai, would only leave you hating you said such words." Sakura winked.
Ah, flirting at its best. She was a master at words. I always enjoyed seeing her at work; well I guess you could call it a sort of work. She enjoyed toying with men, didn't matter if they were older or younger. It was her favorite past time.
Kakashi's eyes brightened and I bet if you could see under his mask, he'd have a smirk from ear to ear.
"Don't tempt me temptress."
"Ahem, I'd hate to intrude on such a lovely topic, but we have work to do." Sasuke sounded so serious. His eyes bore into Sakura like darts, like he could see completely through her.
This didn't faze her one bit. She turned to face me once more and winked.
"I'm sure you can find your own way my dear. I will catch up with you later and check up on you."
I felt a little confused at first, staring at her dumbly. Nodding a little, I turned quickly not wanting to catch any more of the conversation.
It's rather funny how I needed to be checked up on by others.
Sakura wasn't the only one who had said such words. The Hyuuga had promised to check up on me also.
SMACK!
Stumbling back a little, I felt as if I had run straight into a brick wall. This was turning out to be one of the days where it would have been better if I remained in bed, if not safer.
"Hey, watch it."
Ah, speak of Hyuuga's. Such a lovely way for fate to throw such a thing in my face.
Grinding my teeth, my head only seemed to be pounding its frustration more firmly now.
"God, what are you made of?" I groaned out, feeling a slight knot forming on my forehead from the impact. I rubbed the spot, hoping it would dull the pain.
"Ah, its you. How are those fainting spells coming?"
If there was ever a day that I could strike someone down, it would be today. Why did it seem I held all the bad luck in the world?
"You saw?" My cheeks flushed once more, but I didn't know if it was apparent anymore. The heat was beginning to take a toll on me. My body felt flushed under the rays.
"Yes."
Such a short response. I finally felt brave enough to meet his gaze, which was mistake number one.
I had forgotten how beautiful his ivory colored eyes were. They reminded me so much of my beloved moon it was uncanny.
"I meant to come and check on you yesterday. I can redeem myself by seeing you safely home now."
I was taken back by his bold words. Was I really that helpless? I needed babysitting all the time apparently.
This angered me.
Huffing, I allowed my lungs to take in a deep breath of air before I blew.
"I'm not some child that needs their hand held at all times. I can manage on my own thank you." I don't know why this got to me so much, but it did. I knew it was wrong to take it out on him, but he was the only innocent by-stander.
Turning rather quickly from him, I began walking in the opposite direction.
I could hear him snicker behind me. Growling, I rounded about swiftly to come face to face with him once more.
"What is so very funny?"
He shrugged his broad shoulders. My eyes danced down him taking in his stature, I realized he still wore the same robes from before. His long hair tangled itself over his shoulder, being held lowly together to keep from flying around him.
"You're going the wrong way."
My breath caught in my throat, my eyes opening wider.
God, I never seemed to fail making a fool out of myself. Mistake number two.
Sighing in defeat, I bowed my head. It wasn't even worth trying to argue when I had just ruined any hope I had at making myself seem fierce and in control.
"You don't look so good."
Even though his assumption should be insulting, I knew it was most likely true.
Nodding my head, I met his eyes for the second time.
"You only say that because I'm clothed at this present moment."
Slapping my hand over my mouth, I wanted to scream. Where did that come from? Never in my life had I said such bold and daring words. I was hanging around Sakura far too much it seemed, her vulgar-ness seemed to be rubbing off on me.
Neji turned his gaze from me, if he blushed it was too quick for me to notice.
"About that, I'm still very sorry. It was never intended…"
I shook my head frantically, not wanting to have this awkward conversation right this moment. I felt rather weak and I needed to get out of this sun. It was draining any energy that I had left.
"Look, I think we started off badly." I decided a subject changer was needed. Anything to get it off him catching me naked, bathing.
Neji only nodded in response. I didn't realize before how quiet he was. Not really talking much unless having something said to him to reply to.
"So isn't it a little early for patrolling? Its broad daylight."
I groaned at my own reminding. I needed to head out of said daylight before I fried. I could feel my already tanned skin soaking in the UV rays, only darkening my complexion. But today, it felt as if it was burning, not tanning.
"Hn."
This guy seemed to be the king of short responses. Raising my eyebrow, I began shuffling my feet once again.
"Uh-huh. Okay, well like I said I don't need anyone to baby-sit me. Besides, I didn't really want to head back yet. I planned on enjoying my escape a little longer."
I didn't really wait for a response before I began walking towards him, not stopping, and continuing on right past him.
He turned around to watch me go, his fingers finding my arm quickly. It was odd how fast he moved, the distance between us closing in mere moments. His touch was cold and yet warm at the same time. It sent a tingling sensation down my arm to the tips of my fingers.
"Well, wherever you are going, I am following."
I tore my arm from his grasp and cleared my throat.
"That's really kind of you, but I rather take pleasure in basking in my time alone."
The closeness started to make me feel a little paranoid. I wasn't used to being in such close proximity with any other guy other than my uncle. And on occasion Lee, but that was only because he had a tendency to want to hug anyone and anything.
Licking my lips, I turned my head defiantly.
"I do thank you for the help from before, but I don't need anyone. I'll be sure to watch for daytime creeps."
It was unsettling how I couldn't even hear him breath. He was so very silent. Were all guardians like this? So farfetched?
"I'm not giving you a choice in the matter. I will accompany you and at least make sure your current wave of dizziness doesn't lead to another public display."
Biting my tongue, I found it very hard to resist the urge to make a nasty comeback.
Snorting, I ignored his statement and continued on past him. I didn't need such annoyances.
Right now, I needed my clearing. It always calmed me and made me feel at home.
Stalking off, I could still feel him behind me. He was following me once more. What was with this guy? Its not like it was his public duty to make sure I was safe.
Okay, so maybe that was a stupid statement. So it was his duty, but that was beside the point. Its not like I was going to go and get myself eaten by my ghost wolf in broad daylight.
Taking in a deep breath as I stepped into my safety zone, I let my arms fall loosely beside me. The air smelt no longer of dead fish and human life, but of trees and dirt.
It was ironic that a girl like me found such fondness for a place of nature. My eyes fell upon my beloved stump.
"I'm fine as you can see, so you don't need to accompany me any further."
I could still feel his intense gaze upon my back. It was eating away at my mind, making my headache increase with every beat of my heart.
"I don't know, this place just looks like a walking danger zone for you."
I could only smirk at his statement. I knew I had a tendency to hurt myself more than anyone, call it my own gracefulness.
"Funny." Reaching forward, I felt around the stump. Smiling when my fingers brushed upon what I was looking for, I held my worn down sai in my hand.
Neji's eyes squared in on my hand.
"Should you be playing with sharp objects?"
Scoffing, I shook my head.
"Are you always so full of such witty comments? Or am I the lucky one to bring such things to mind?"
I found I had more energy being in the shade. The coolness of the trees brushing across my moist skin. It felt like a breath of fresh air. My lungs aching for the crispness that now lacked the dry heat that the sun had burned into me.
I also felt less annoyed. My special place instantly calming me. Which also made me realize just how childish my current bickering was with the guardian.
Neji sat down before me upon my stump. Ironically, seconds ago it would have bothered me, but now it wasn't that important.
Turning away from him, I allowed my grip on my sai to relax, my fingers to become one with the metal. It felt smooth and cold against my rough, warm hand. But it felt right, like always, like it was another part of my appendage.
I felt a sudden comfort with him being here also. Not like before, like him being near left a damper on my aura. It wasn't as bothersome. It felt actually kind of relieving. There was something about the Hyuuga that I found myself trusting. Minus all the rude remarks and awkward moments, but I guess that fell into who he was once more.
"So exactly who are you?"
I found the question leaving my mouth before I could even think twice about it. I knew it was a stupid question. He had already introduced himself.
Lifting my right arm, I let my fingers run along the sai once more, gaining control over the object before I threw it with such ease and pricision. I didn't watch to see if it would hit my intended target, which was a good fifty feet ahead of me, a "X" marked upon a large tree. Of course it would hit, it always did. I never missed a target.
"I could ask you the same thing"
His eyes widened at the sound of the thump, the sharp end of the sai embedding itself directly in the center of my "X".
I smiled smugly, my eyes finding his, turned away from my target.
"It doesn't matter who I am. I'm no one important compared to a Hyuuga. Aren't you some sort of God?"
Neji turned away from me, avoiding the question it seemed. I don't know if he could answer something so bold, maybe it was some sort of secret. Maybe I wasn't supposed to know.
"You could say that."
I didn't expect to hear his voice, it now seemed lower and held less emotion. Like he preferred not to talk about the matter.
"Ah, sorry I don't mean to be so forward." Sighing, I stepped to retrieve my weapon. Removing it from the trees bark, I ran my fingers over the impact wound. It was scary sometimes how perfect I was at using such weapons.
Did I mention that I was a master with anything sharp?
Sure, some girls have their raw talents, but this was something not normal with my bunch.
When I was younger and aspired my fascination with anything that held a pointy end, my aunt and uncle seemed delighted. Any normal parent or guardian would be terrified, considering I was only seven.
"Tenten…" My name on his lips caused my heart to cease its beating.
I found that I liked the way he said it. Like it was an exotic word, something not of our normal language. His tongue rolled across the word, it lulling me into a state of comatose.
"Tenten?"
He spoke it once more, only this time it was to ask if I was alright. I could see the look on his face. I worried him.
I smiled a half smile and shrugged my shoulders.
"Sorry, I'm not feeling so well. I don't know why really. Its rather sudden."
He only nodded, knowing from my random fainting spells that there was no question in the matter.
"The day has only just begun and yet I find myself wishing the night was already here."
I spoke more to myself than to him, my eyes searching the dark forest.
"I used to be the same way, that was until…'
He cut himself off abruptly and cleared his throat.
"Until what?" I asked him curiously.
Neji shook his head and stood.
"Until I grew up. I found you can't fight destiny."
His words stung at me for some odd reason. They held a meaning that I was unfamiliar with. A riddle of sorts.
"Destiny?" The word felt so foreign on my tongue.
"I see that there is no immediate danger. You wont be leaving yourself for the dead anytime soon. I shall be off now, please remember my words from before."
He didn't give me a chance to respond before he exited my clearing swiftly, the air behind him lingering his smell. It teased my senses, swirling around and around till it left me dizzy.
I could see the sun from where I stood, it was still pretty high in the sky, but a couple of hours had passed since leaving this morning. It was well past noon and long due for me to eat.
But again, I didn't really feel all that hungry. I felt more exhausted from the day than anything. I don't know how I always found myself in such situations as I do.
First Sakura. Then the town square incident. To running into Neji. And ending with our awkward conversation. Yet I didn't feel that unease about the matter.
He left me feeling rather relaxed and yet troubled all at once. I felt like I was missing parts of our conversations. Like there was more to be said and just wasn't.
"Do you always find yourself alone in such a place?"
The intrusion on my thoughts caused me to scream slightly, jumping almost completely out of my skin.
My heart crashed against my rib cage, the beating echoing in my head.
"Tsundae-sama!"
I bowed my head respectively. Tsundae was the founder of Konoha. Our ruler of a sort as you could say.
The Hyuuga's had such power only because Tsundae wished it. She appointed the lineage to protect us from anything that went bump in the night. It was odd how wise she was and yet she looked so young for her age. Not too young, more likely to be in her mid thirties-early forties.
She had always been like another aunt to me. Shizune and her had hit it off from day one, becoming best friends. Which I didn't mind so much, Tsunade was a great teacher to be around. She was smart and witty and very powerful.
"You startled me Sensai." I labored my breathing a little, trying to calm myself down.
"I see we still need to work more on those senses of yours. Is your aunt still inside?"
I chuckled at her question when she knew the answer. My aunt and uncle rarely left during the day, always finding something to keep themselves busy.
"Well don't let me intrude on your practicing," she eyed my sai, "I will see you later, off to make sure your aunt has not killed your uncle yet."
I laughed and shook my head. The three of them together was always a funny sight. Shizune enjoying Tsunade's strengths and Gai never wanting to admit that a woman was stronger.
My eyes fell upon the dense forest once more. The day wasn't all over with yet. I still had plenty of time to waste. No longer finding my clearing as satisfying, I decided a walk in the forest didn't sound half bad. Besides, like I had told the Hyuuga, its broad daylight. Not much can happen in broad daylight. Even though the sun had a hard time fighting its way through the dense forestation, it still held light.
Walking through the trees, I pushed aside branches as I went, not knowing exactly where my feet were leading me. I needed some sort of excitement. Eyes of moonlight seemed to be flashing through my mind, the encounter with the guardian still leaving me a little baffled and on edge.
The sharp branches swiped at my arms here and there, not being able to stop every single one as I moved. I began moving at a faster pace, enjoying the quickness through the empty woods. It began to be a sort of rush, the cool air swishing past my ears and tickling my skin.
Before I knew it, hours had gone by. The run through the woods was exhilarating and had left me dying of thirst. I never felt so calm with something that held such an adrenaline rush. Making my way back to the clearing, I found it a lot darker outside.
It looks like I had found a way to make my day fly by and yet I was still wide awake.
Falling forward, landing softly on the lush grass below me, I enjoyed the cool blades against my skin. My breathing came hard, my lungs fighting to restore back to normal after such antics.
Rolling over, I laid there staring up at the sky, my back against the cool ground.
Still breathing heavy, I released a laugh. I don't know why, I just felt the sudden need to.
The moon welcomed me with open arms, its rays dancing upon my skin with a beauty that I had missed from the day. My almond color glittered in the moonlight, the moistness that layered me, sparkling in my movements.
I felt like a pretty jewel. This only made me laugh more.
"What is so very funny?"
I didn't jump this time, I could feel my uncle approaching me.
My head falling back further to try and eye him behind me, I smiled.
"That's a very good question."
He only shrugged and stepped forward to join me.
"I see you are feeling better than before my dear." He smirked, holding a glass of water outward for me to grab. I still didn't move from my spot on the ground, the water just within my reach from where he now leaned beside me.
"It's funny what something as simple as clarity can do for the body." Sitting up slightly, I took a gulp of water that turned into me downing the whole thing in one drink.
My uncle laughed at me, his chest shaking in the process.
"I was much thirstier than I thought."
I rather enjoyed alone time with my uncle.
"Such youthful-ness you display lately young Tenten."
When he wasn't talking that is.
"Oji-san, its rare to see you out here."
He nodded, sitting down upon my stump where Neji had sat earlier. It seemed I wasn't the only one to find the stump alluring.
"I know, I've over worked myself the past few months, not being able to keep up to your Oba-san, punishing myself with 1000 push-ups and 100 laps around Konoha."
His words confused me. I have never really seen him outside running around our village.
"This is at night of course that I show my youthful-ness. The night air is much more appealing than the dying heat."
I only laughed at him, understanding full well what he meant. I felt the same way today. The heat could be over bearing and something that left you feeling utterly lifeless.
"The night welcomes us unlike the day. It allows such youthful talents to be displayed."
I found myself no longer wanting to talk, only rest.
Nodding once more, I didn't say anything.
"No more dizziness?"
His question threw me off.
"I fainted this morning, I don't know why. But I recovered quickly. I've been feeling rather odd lately."
Gai smiled, nodding his head along with my words.
"Getting older can do that to you, its normal among youthful times such as these. I remember when I was turning eighteen, such a delightful moment in time."
He spoke rather distantly, his eyes glazing over and sparkling like the stars in the night sky.
"Oji-san…" I spoke softly, trying to break him from his current bantering.
"I'll never forget those first nights, feeling like the world was mine for the taking. Finally, becoming of age and no longer underneath anyone. Eighteen is when one becomes a man…"
He stared down at me, realizing that he was rambling.
"Or a woman in your case…"
I flushed awkwardly.
I was not about to have the coming of age talk…with my uncle.
Moments like this made me wish that I knew who my real parents were. This was a talk that should be saved between a mother and daughter. Moments of awkwardness that a father was meant to make more awkward.
Feeling a fresh batch of tears brimming over my now closed eyes, I smiled.
"Oji-san, thanks for trying. But this would only get odder if we continued with the topic."
"Oh, right." His cheeks flushed, his hands running across his thighs, removing the sweat from his palms no doubt.
"I'm just saying, you may start to feel like you are alone. I just want you to know that you have Shizune and I both, and you are never alone. Not even when you feel like you no longer belong. Its normal at your age."
He cut himself off, his eyes no longer holding that distance as he stood quickly, a speed almost matching Neji from earlier.
I rolled over onto my stomach, getting ready to bid him goodnight.
"Goodnight dear Tenten, don't stay out here too late. You don't know what is lurking in the shadows." For a second the seriousness of his tone brought chills down my spine, "Not everyone is so youthful as you." Again with that goofy grin, destroying the previous serious talk.
And with that he was gone out of my sight.
I decided following him wouldn't be the lamest choice.
So with that I stood and exited my clearing, never noticing the pair of white and red eyes that watched me closely as I made my way to my home.
A/n: Another chapter! Yay. I hope you liked it. Please review and let me know your thoughts.
