"He who hesitates is a damned fool."
Mae West


The origami rose decoration bobbed up and down on her finely combed navy hair. Her voice was strict but feminine. Perhaps unintentionally she purred seductively into phone, easily realising how she could manipulative the men in her business. Sexuality was a fantastic weapon to wield, and she wielded it with brash pleasure. She clicked the phone lid down, and carefully tucked it into her soft dress.

She turned to report to her partner.

"Orochimaru is dead. The kid that he was possessing is dead too, Itachi and Kisame have taken care of it. They've destroyed everything."

"Good. They have yet to fail an assignment." the orange haired man stated, calm and stoic.

"Neither have the other teams, everything seems to be going to plan, you shouldn't be so negative."

"I'm never disappointed, I assure you." His head twisted to meet her gaze and he presented her a sharp smile. "You should try it my dear."

"I simply cannot be as pessimistic as a man like you, Pein. I've known you too long for your philosophies to affect me"

His studs glinted in the light. "I've known you for far too long too, my dear. Let's hope it remains this way for a far longer time."

Her mouth curved into a smile that was for once, real.


"Hey, Nii-san, can we have a moment of your time?"

Hinata was so much more confident around her house, Sasuke noted dutifully. He didn't much like this cousin of hers though. He lounged on the sofa with style and grace that Sasuke simply did not possess. This was enough to place Sasuke on edge. His only plausible response was to glower, whilst Hinata's cousin turned and placed his full attention on Hinata and Sasuke.

"Yeah."

"Do you know if there are any local cults or gangs that vampires or any other gatherings of altered that meet in Kohona city?" she asked sweetly.

"Uh, it's a large city, I bet there is a few- probally altered a fair bit since my wild days."

Ten-ten's head popped up from her book "You had wild days?" she asked incredulously.

"Aye my Darling." Neji answered, his face softening "I'm cured now."

"Well…J'ai vachement bien l'espère, as the anglais say." She winked.

Neji smiled, and Hinata watched the exchange with amazement and envy. Sasuke grew impatient behind her, and with the hairs on the back of her head rising in revolt with his distemper, she pressured Neji. "Are there any you would recommend? We're looking for Susuke-kun's brother."

Neji reviewed Sasuke with a lazy eye, and Sasuke stared back, albeit bow-legged, scowling.

Neji turned to Hinata "Really?"

Hinata blushed furiously "Nii-san!"

"I'm sorry if you don't like me. I realise that most people don't. But please help me. It is vital that I find my brother. Listen, because I don't enjoy grovelling. Please?"

Sasuke turned away his ears red, unused to being so humble, and embarrassed, both at his desperation and Neji's superiority.

Neji bowed his head. "Kohona is large- and I've dropped my roots in the gangs I used to run with. Whilst I was never involved in the nasty stuff- I was rifled and upset, and I've never belonged in this house-"

"Nii-san!" Hinata protested.

"No Imouto, you know this to be true. I was one of the branch-house in life, and in death and in your father's eyes, I remain in that same slavery. I will never belong in this house truly. You may accept me fully, and Hanabi-can too, but Uncle? The same tyranny rules this house."

Hinata relented, and pouted towards the door, unable to argue.

"Say, kid- look after Hinata chan if you do go dragging her around these clubs I'll tell you about, okay?" Sasuke nodded as if it was him protecting her. "Good. Well, there are a few around that I have no doubt that'll still be going. "Sound" was highly experimental- groups of scientists playing God from beyond the grave. "Jinchuriki" was demon-centric… "Shiki" was a group that catered to kids and tweens introduced into vampirism, well, they cater for anyone altered - sort of an after-death orphanage. It was very good, and as far as I'm aware, they have national links. It's a worthy cause. There's also "Akatsuki" -they played themselves off as untraceable assassins to the human world. They're in it for the money, but apparently there are a few maniacs in there. Don't worry Ten- I was never involved in that type of dirty work."

Sasuke had a brainstorm "Was the sign of the Sound group?"

"A crotchet beat."

"Was Dr Orochimaru involved, does the name mean anything to you?" Sasuke pushed.

"Fuck, I won't let you get Hinata into that business." Neji froze, showing his disgust for the name.

Hinata interjected "What business Nii-san?"

Neji's eyes darted between the two of them, and Ten-ten sat up from her opposing love-seat, rapt with attention concerning the conversation.

He relented. "Dr. Orochimaru, was alternatively known as "Snake" he was the master-mind of the sound. Originally it was an underground movement, but his developments became foremost in the Vampire community. Blood Pills were just one of his developments. However, he was interested in more... experimental sciences…he's a monster, absolutely. The "Sound" is once again underground after the atrocities conducted, and many of the scientists- and they were good scientists, not involved in the human carnage that Orochimaru developed, left."

A shiver went down Sasuke's spine. How close had he been when he had marched both him and Hinata into the surgery yesterday? What could have happened to them? He would have been responsible. Thank God Orochimaru was dead. But what had Orochimaru's meeting with his brother meant? What had Orochimaru done?

"Could we track down any of the scientists?" Sasuke asked

"There were two that I know of, the big ones, which were just as good as Orochimaru. Jiraya, Tsunade- they are the people you ought to track down. Nowadays I know Jiraya does a lot for "Shiki"- the kid's group. Tsunade-"

"Is the head teacher of my school- Leaf Ladies!- it's not a common name." Hinata interrupted.

Sasuke turned to her. "When could we see her?"

"When the half-term is over it'll be easy to get you into my school, and get you into her office. There has been talk of setting up an outer school charity club, so you could pretend to be a representative from Kohona high. I've never met with her, so I never knew she was a vampire."

"Ah, Tsunade was never a vampire. She's a Harpy."

Sasuke shrugged; genuinely pleased he now had a lead.

Hinata nodded. "I'll go mark up a letter we can send off, I'll be in my room, first on the left. Join me?"

Sasuke nodded, and mentioned to follow her, only to be halted by Neji.

"Hey Kid."

"Yeah."

Neji shifted, his elegant pose altered, but equally elegant, his hair still glossy in the sunlight of the drawing room.

"What's your name?"

"Uchiha Sasuke."

"Right. Let's get a few things straight Uchiha."Hinata's footsteps faded away up the stairs. "I have no intent to allow Hinata to wade into anything that will corrupt her. Any shit that you get Hinata into, I will track you down and double it for you. However." He sighed. "I think I like you."

Sasuke had to prevent himself from pulling his "What-the-fuck-face", though but Neji's paced explanation was so slow, he doubted he pulled it off.

"You're like me. Don't look at me like that, I know what I am talking about. You have a burning ambition, that would be considered wholly insane by others had they no idea what hatred and animosity fuels this ambition. You're just like me. Don't think that Hinata is the only one that's hyper-sensitive. Whereas Hinata can feel the emotions of others and amplify them, so much it affects her, I can feel drive, and what fuel there is. Let me tell you now. Don't let Hinata be corrupted. If you can't look after her, get me. I'll help. Look, Sasuke, you've made yourself an ally."

Humbled, Sasuke bowed his head, heart filled with an emotion almost alien to him, and choked out a thin "Thank you"

"No problem. Now go upstairs, Hinata's waiting."

Sasuke stumbled and fell out of the room, running to Hinata, his usual sharpness numbed by Neji's kindness.

Neji watched him go, and smiled softly to himself.

Ten-Ten moved from her loveseat, and moved to Neji's sofa, placing her arms around him.

"You like him, hrm?... Can you explain this side of you that I obviously have never met before Mister Hyuga… what is your burning desire fuelled by hatred?"

"That my darling, is a dead part of me, better to ignore completely. At one time in my life, I hated the main family, and by that, I mean my uncle and lovely cousins, but that is dead, and I shouldn't worry about it."

"I'm afraid I will worry about the unsaid words you're not telling me, so you'll better tell me anyhow" she breathed onto his neck.

"Of course. I know better than to think you would let this lie, Ten"

"You know me so well." She purred into his ear.


The half-term had ended, and through his and Hinata's efforts, and the administration staff's reluctance, Sasuke was going to Leaf Ladies to meet Tsunade, the Harpy doctor who had worked with Orochimaru, under the pretention of starting a charity club.

Several girls in expensive uniforms- thick green blazers, customised blouses that were not transparent and had the school logo embroidered over the left breast pocket, plaid shirts that came down over the knee, and thick white stockings, passed by. Sauske was in a heaven of fully clad girls too intimidated by his scowl to approach him, keeping their glances and stares (his only niggle) to a limit. He walked in with them through the main entrance, each girl noting his stature and the way his uniform hung from his slim frame.

Hinata waited for him in the huge courtyard, and with his presence waved wildly, despite the presence of many of her school mates. Perhaps relieved, Sasuke grinned slightly (to grin too much would be murder in this place, full of potential fan-girls), and made his way over.

Hinata took his hand, and for once lead the way, her face turned away, lest he notice her grin. However, it was noted, not only by the well-dressed girls of Leaf Ladies, but also Sakura, who lingered in the group and trembled, close to tears, not knowing why Sasuke was here, or why Sasuke was attached to Hinata's hand.

"Hey, Sakura"

She looked up into the teal eyes of Temari.

He was at Ino's party, you went to Kohona High, you know that hottie?"

"Yeah…" she warbled.

Girls flooded her, essentially grounding her, and preventing her from following Hinata and Sasuke.


Sasuke was pulled though Leaf Ladies in a daze, only just noticing the vibrant displays and well-kept buildings. Despite the building being a remnant from the building boom in the 70s, the building itself was maintained beautifully, despite the exterior being decidedly ugly, it was surrounded by flora, mainly evergreens that remained bright throughout the year.

Still, the building was probably full of asbestos.

"Looking forr-ward to this Sasuke-kun?"

"I'm hoping a lot will come out today."

She led him into the admin area, and headed to the reception, noticing how much paper-work was piled up, further into the admin area. Past the heads of years. They pulled up into the further reception leading to Headmistresses Tsunade's office.

"Miss Shizune? We have an appointment?"

In her haste Hinata had not dropped Sasuke's hand, and in this time, Sasuke's ears began to burn as he hoped that Hinata would not notice how sweaty his palm was feeling against her soft hand. Without realising it, we squeezed her hand tighter.

Hinata's blush heightened, but the Sasuke holding her hand so tightly, she could not drop it so quickly. She squeezed back to signal him to let go. The response was not heeded.

Shizune fussed, moving her hands around so swiftly from her keyboard, she pulled down a pile of paper-work, scattering it about. She looked up finally, loosing herself in Sasuke's eyes for a moment, before tearing herself away, and then back again.

"The Kohona charity club expansion- yes?"

"Yes Miss." He answered dutifully.

She blushed to match Sasuke and Hinata.

"The Headmistress is happy to see you both now, she has time."

Hianta pulled Sasuke to the door, and paused, Shizune now back to her computer.

They looked at each other.

"Ano-"

"Um-"

"I'll knock" they both said, still holding hands.

They separated themselves, and Sasuke knocked, making the most out of his newly liberated hand.

"Come in." A hoarse voice called.

They entered in file, and found themselves in front of Tsunade.

Tsunade was a busty, blond woman, still young despite the number of letters written behind her name on the door they had just entered through. Probably the harpy blood, Sasuke thought.

"Welcome to LL Mr. Uchiha, please take a seat, both of you." They both did. "I'm glad you've made this proposition, as a school, we are always looking to accentuate the extra-curricular activities of our students, and as of such, this current proposition to-"

"Please, Miss." Sasuke interrupted "There is a more pressing matter I would like to initially address."

Tsunade halted, unused to being interrupted. "Yes?"

"We want to know all about Orochimaru, and what happened to "Sound". This is vital, Miss."

Silence reigned.


"I had to tell you one day, I hope it sounds better from my lips than anyone elses." Neji purred back.

"It'll sound better Baby, it'll sound better"

"It won't. I promise you." He canoodled into her ear, her body firmly against his. "We, as a family, were turned all at the same time. 1604, very early Edo period, still at unease with our new rulers, not quite cumulating in the relative peace that the Edo period brought for Japan. Just imagine the Hyugas, specifically, Uncle. Strong, stick in the mud types. And powerful, extraordinarily powerful, especially in the ruthless game of politics. And imagine, again, what troubles that may cause for our new rulers, the family too swarmy to be knocked out by the recent rebellion. How much more freedom would they have if the Hyuga dynasty suddenly disappeared off the map. It was a far more ruthless time then darling, and they got away with it too. The Hyuga lineage disappeared overnight.

The group earlier, "Akatsuki" the dodgy one, the assassins, were the ones that came for us. They normally pair up one mad one, ready to massacre, and one sane but sick bastard to keep the insane one in check. The mad freak murdered his partner in the frenzy to kill, and came for us. It's easy to turn someone if you are careful, like I was with you darling, but he did it, and savoured it, so it became a Russian roulette, over who would die, and who would survive. There were over one hundred Hyugas in our compound, and four made it out with a second life. I believe wholly that he got tired. When he got to us, and I was hiding with the girls, he could only muster up a sharp nip between us- we were in the higher rooms, and I attempted to protect the girls. I may not have liked them, but I was in some way responsible for them, and they were smaller and terrified of the screams.

I armed myself with a samurai sword (a decoration) and was taken first. I was gone then, and we do not talk about it. Who it was next, Hinata or Hanabi, I do not know. It made no difference.

Uncle came out because he was so strong. Me and the girls, we were one of the last. Uncle was one of the first, and when he came to, he was in extraordinary pain. Hinata's tending and healing powers revealed herself to him then, even though he may never show it and even she may not know, he is so proud of her and Hanabi. He is still tyranical, still used to the way things ought to be rather than how they are now, and he still sees me as a member of the branch household, but that day has passed. He is a far stronger man than he was in life.

Back then you see, it was a disgrace to not have a male heir, and despite being a branch house, it looked like it would go to me, as I was expected to marry Hinata. Hinata was forced into heiress duties, learning how to become a beautiful woman, how to look to the house, yet she took on male classes too- as an heir she needed to read and write and needed to know history and how to play politics. At one time they were preparing her to seduce whoever came into power next. There was a huge rivalry between Hanabi and Hinata because of their birth. If Hanabi excelled her sister, maybe Hanabi could choose her own husband, or would win her father's good graces. It was a bad house to be in, and malcontent hung in the air.

I hated them because by destiny was stuck, and I was unable to free myself. My Father, Uncle's twin brother, was dead, due to a bad political decision on Uncle's part. I was to marry my gormless cousin, who had yet to bloom into the person she is today, and to produce children with a woman I hated, only for them to be brainwashed into Hyuga ideology. I was a slave fighting the system.

We had to escape together, disappear into the snowy mountains that surrounded our compound. No-one ever came for us, and we barely survived, wreaked by our ghoulish need to drink blood. The early days were hard and savage, but nothing draws a family closer that a shared ill, and our vampirism drew us together, though I have always sought to escape my bond. It took me a long time to realise, my bond was no longer as a slave, but instead as a brother.

Are you content now my darling?"

"Quite sweetheart." She murmured, caressing his face. "Quite."


*Note from Clue*

I bet I've surprised a fair few of you by updating this now , but these thoughts have been malingering and developing further, and I got to a stage where I wanted to complete this (finally!). I hope you've noticed some development in my style from the last few chapters (which I may revamp, there are parts that need to be better written, and altered, but noting that will change the story-line).

D'accord, reviews are appreciated, and I'll attempt to return them. Cheers for reading this far.