I couldn't breathe and there was no one to help me breathe again. I stood there so tired and for a spilt second hot tears touched my eyes. Clenching my jaw I made some hand signs and poofed in back of my opponent. He threw a kunai, piercing my skin and hit the flesh on my leg, still managing to move willingly I grab the sound five nin. Struggling against my grasp, He manages to release my grip and kick me in the chest.
Gasping slightly, I quickly suppress the pain and continue to attack the damn bastard. Taking out a kunai from my pouch, I charge at the kneeling ninja. Not ever knowing his name I stab him in the heart.
I see his eyes widen, the faint look of regret written on his face, from the impact. A sharp pain hits my heart, my eyes harden, while I clench my fists and dig my nails deep into my skin.
The sound ninja looked so familiar. I close my eyes and see those captivating obsidian eyes. I remember every detail of him from his green suit to his way-out-of-hand enthusiasm. Opening my eyes, I see a ward of Nins surrounding me.
A snarl hits my throat and escapes my lips. The fighting begins and my body moves on it's on.
I walked past Neji, feeling his eyes on my back, toward Lee and gently place my hand on his shoulder. I couldn't help but notice his face brighten up at my gesture.
"You didn't have to go that far," I said with a hit of anger in my voice. I turned my calm gaze from Lee and looked at Neji with fire in my eyes.
"He asked for it, and fate decided the outcome."
'Damn it, Neji! You and your fate…' "No matter you shouldn't have gone that far," looking directly in his eyes, "He is your TEAMMATE!"
"…"
Narrowing my eyes, I ask, "If it was me… would you?… If you were fighting me would you do this to me?"
"hmp… don't flatter yourself."
I flinch at his words and look down immediately. I turn away from him.
"You should leave," I said flatly.
I finish off the last Shinobi and look at my surroundings. As I glance around, I see Kiba clash against a Sound Shinobi. I catch a glimpse of a certain Hyuuga. Slightly curious of how his battle goes on, I turn my full attention to him. His refined and swift movements quickly kill his opponents. Feeling eyes watching me, I look over at Kiba and notice his amused face. I curse under my breath.
Turning my face away, I gasp deeply as I feel a blow slam against my chest. Closing my eyes, I realize my rib cage almost crushed my insides. I hit the ground with my head, making my vision blurry. Someone yells my name…
"We have to restrain her immediately. She is a danger to herself and others," said a very dry and boring voice.
I open my eyes and feel most of my chakra and strength drained from me. I try to move but a firm gentle hand is laid on my shoulder. I turn to the shadowed figure and gaze into their eyes. The sides of my lips turn up.
"Lee"
I see his eyes and notice the sad look on his face. My heart skips a beat; I look at him with a very concerned nervous look. Tears threaten to take over my eyes as I stare at his handsome face. He nods to me as if to assure me.
He turns to the voice and says in a very confident calm voice that sends my head into ecstasy. His lips move mechanically and his eyes filled with determination. A look only seen when he fights, a look I secretly watch as my heart melts. I hear my name and realize he is fighting for me, for what I have become, for what I have done.
I breathe in and prepare to stop him from convincing them that I do not need to stay here. I know what I have become. I know what I have done and I know what will happen to me. I know it is for the best.
He quickly looks at me stopping his speech and stares at me with eyes that make me shudder.
"Tenten, do not think that. You do not belong here. I will take care of you. I promise I will always be there for you no matter what. I will protect, guard, and care for you until I die. I will not have you stay here until they think you are fit to be a ninja again…No, I will be the one to look after you and bring you back when you lose you way. Trust me."
He has done it again. He knew what I was going to say before I could even let it escape my lips. He knew what to say to make me believe him, trust him.
I quiver and feel guilty for my past thoughts and say defeated, "Lee, I—"
A firm voice cuts my word with warmth and care, "I know."
My bottom lip pulls from my top and I say, "Lee, say…say my name."
"Tenten"
"Tenten"
"Tenten…get up…Tenten get UP!"
Ignoring the voice, I turn my back to the voice. Grunting in knowledgement of the person, I open my eyes and feel a familiar hand on my shoulder. I roll back to my previous position.
With vermin and annoyance in my voice, I say, "Kiba…Don't touch me."
"Wh-...Of course"
His hand leaves my arm as I push my body off the ground and stabilize myself on my feet. I glance up and see another figure standing in front of me. Upon recognizing the individual, I inwardly curse hell, heaven, and earth. I turn toward Kiba and raise my eyebrow slightly clutching down from the side effects of not breathing properly for a minute.
"Tenten, Neji saved you," said a buoyant Kiba.
I look at the unwanted hopeful face, glaring and turn to the Hyuuga prodigy, grunting in thanks. I feel his eyes burn a hole in me. I stand up and bluntly say, "Stare much?"
His eyes show amusement, I burn inside at his nature of pissing me off without saying a word. I turn from him and hold my arm out for Kiba. Kiba gently grabs my arm and pulls it over his head and onto his neck. I feel his hand close in over my waist and grip with caution.
He is afraid, afraid of me pushing him away and rejecting his help like before so many times. But I decide to let this pass and let myself have the luxury of having a kind and warm touch comfort me. Closing my eyes, I recognize this touch and am reminded of another who had such affection for me.
"Tenten"
My eyes flash open with anger, I am not happy that he had to disturb this one moment of being in the arms of someone and feeling treasured. Turning my head slowly at him, I grunt waiting for him to continue his interference.
"Tenten, you need medical attention. I know how you have a distaste for doctors but your respiratory system has been shaken very badly from the blow. Except you're too stubborn to have anyone check your condition, so, take this and drink it. Hinata-sama made and gave this to me as a precaution for this battle," said Neji with a half smile.
My eyes harden from the words just spoken; I bite my lip from saying my true thoughts: 'You know nothing of me you bastard. You don't care about me. You only show this concern for him because he made you promise to him. You bastard, I loathe you…why do you make me feel this way. Why have I never felt this way except with you and Lee.' The warm words soften my thoughts in the end and I feel my insides squirming.
I raise an eyebrow and reply, "I don't care. I don't need your help. Leave me alone."
I turn and take a step with Kiba ready to take the lead. My shoulder flinches at the hand that is placed on my shoulder. Stopping unwillingly, I heard his voice.
"Tenten, take this, drink it and you will be able to continue fighting…please," with pure concern, Neji made me look at him with a shock face hidden behind my rock-solid façade.
'He really…'
"Hn…Kiba, set me down."
As Kiba carefully let go off me, I sat on the ground and felt Neji kneel beside me. He handed me the bottle. I hastily took it, not wanting to linger here with him, and chugged it down.
The liquid swam down my throat, bringing down memories with it. My eyes begin to sting as I feel the medicine working. The drug makes me feel woozy and tired but instantly recharges my energy.
I raise my lowered head and see Kiba and Neji looking at me with unease. I sign in annoyance to their meaningless emotions.
I mutter under my breath while standing and push past them. I see a ninja struck down by a katana held by a otonin. I narrow my eyes and smirk. My next victim is…