I like Neji. He's got a lot of potential, and I'm glad Naruto kicked a little sense into him. I hope the cage thing gets resolved sometime. Topic #38 - Caged Bird. 303 words.

Disclaimer: Not mine, but maybe if fate is on my side... :D

oooooooooooo

I am a bird in a cage. I have always been.

At first, it was a clear barred cage I did not even see. One which I had been born into and did not even realize was there. The bars became visible soon enough though, and I have been aware of them ever since. Instead of the transparent prison from the beginning, I saw the truth of the cage bars. They were rusted, jagged metal that would tear me to ribbons should I try to escape.

I attempted it anyway. Softly at first, to avoid notice and injury. I was nearly convinced it was impenetrable. But as I grew, I became bolder, and thought I had found an opportunity too perfect to refuse. But, the attempt was unsuccessful, and later I felt the pain of trying to run from my fate.

And yet, at the same time, my eyes were opened a bit further. I saw the cage in a clearer view once again. It was not as impossible to leave as I had thought, yet it would still be difficult to work my way out.

But now, I have realized yet another truth about my cage. It is not so empty here as I had originally thought.

There, in a cage right next to mine, lives another bird. Her cage is beautiful, and made of the finest materials. A web of golden words and white lies, speckled with cold diamond eyes and burning sapphire glares. She, like me, knows she is caged, but currently she is fighting too fully with her inner self to be bold enough to escape her gilded cage. I envy her not, however. For though her cage may be beautiful, the fact still remains true; if the wings of birds are tied with gold, still they cannot fly.

oooooooooooo

Oh, and just to clarify, the "perfect chance" is the chuunin exams fight with Hinata, ok? The pain later is when he gets his butt handed to him by Naruto. Neji's mind is kinda abstract and vague, yeah?