A/N: I have fifty reviews!! Thank you all who reviewed. It means a lot to me. If you write stories, maybe you too know of how warm and fuzzy you get when other people love and praise you stories. Enjoy this chapter!
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. If I did, I'd want to draw faster so adoring fans can read more.
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Gone~:~:~:~:~:~:~
The clear twilight skies of Konoha darkened and the first showers of March fell as Tenten turned heel and left Neji standing alone in the rain.
Tenten let no tears fall from her amber eyes. She made her way to the Hokage's tower, where Tsunade was bound to be. Tenten quietly stalked up the stairs and knocked sharply on the office door.
"Who the hell is around at this time of day?" came a loud shriek from behind the door.
"Tsunade! Someone has a question, I'm sure." This time, it was a quieter voice of Shizune who opened the door. "Tenten! Why are you here and not at the festival?"
Tenten's eyes narrowed and Shizune could see the loss of the joyful light that usually danced in Tenten's eyes. "Let me leave the village for two months."
Tsunade, now more awake than before, said, "Why? We need all of our ninjas to do missions. You are already on your week of break."
Tenten did not move. "Then put me on sick leave." She lowered her eyes. "At least that is not a full lie… Besides, I think it is time to visit my parents' graves and learn a bit more about my ancestry."
Tsunade sighed. "This is not like you, Tenten. You are always eager to do missions and whatnot. Why of all times, now?"
Shizune stood silently behind Tsunade, stroking Tonton the pig. "If I am correct, I believe she is in one of those times."
"Ninja are trained to show no emotion." Tsunade said dully.
Tenten breathed in a shuddering breath. "But not all are successful."
Shizune spoke again. "Perhaps it is good for Tenten to leave now. Firstly, she has provided a good reason. Secondly, I think she could really use some private time."
Tenten nodded gratefully to Shizune. "Two months only." She said softly.
Tsunade dropped her head to her hands. "Very well. Two months and no more. And while you leave, bring me some good sake."
Tenten face palmed. "Thank you Tsunade. Please do not inform my team of my whereabouts."
Tsunade frowned. "It's the Hyuuga isn't it?"
Tenten stiffened slightly. She turned around and faced the door. "Yes."
"Don't you think this is a small thing to get so worked up about?"
Tenten bowed her head. "Perhaps I am overreacting, but either way, I am leaving to visit my parents whether you like it or not. You know very well that I would go away for a while sometime anyway. The Hyuuga is just pushing that time earlier."
Shizune smiled slightly. "You can't argue against that, you know?"
Tsunade sighed once again. "Very well."
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Tenten had packed most of her stuff. She locked her apartment door and went to the village gates. The watchtowers were empty during the festival. Neji was probably running all over in search for her.
Tenten breathed out and leapt away into the darkness, stopping once to rest and sleep.
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She arrived in a thicket of trees in the outskirts of the Fire Country in the purple dusk. Two tombstones stood side-by-side. Tenten smiled as she unpacked some food and placed it at the grave.
"I brought your favorite food." She whispered softly. "I hope you enjoy it. Tell me about myself. Tell me about my family. Please."
She set up camp. Tenten unrolled her sleeping bag and cast anti-thief jutsus and other protective traps around here although she knew it wasn't needed in such a secluded, yet warm, welcoming place.
Tenten lay down, rolled over and fell asleep.
Tenten.
Tenten.
TENTEN.
TENTEN!
Tenten's eyes shot open. Two people stood above her, their figures were bathed in heavenly light.
You are awake. I always knew you'd sleep like a log…like your mother.
Hey!
Tenten smiled and hugged the two figures. Mom, Dad!
Tenten's mother laughed. You wanted to know about our clan, yes? So we will tell you all.
Tenten's father lifted Tenten up. Come. We will show you the Ryuu Clan, Clan of the Mystical Dragon.
Scenes flashed by. Figures of great power unleashed the kekkei gekkei of the Dragon Clan.
Wow. Tenten watched in awe.
Tenten's mother and father brought her to a tree stump and sat down. See, this is the power of the Dragon. You have the ability to unleash the Golden Dragon and work with it to gain the senses of the Dragon.
Tenten glanced at her mother. Is that possible? After all, the closest thing I have ever gotten to Dragon is my weapon attacks.
Tenten's mother giggled. Don't worry darling. You don't need much training to handle this. You summoned Golden Dragon will teach and train you all.
The scene started to waver. Wait! What happens if I lose control of all the power?
Tenten's father called. It won't. We will leave you with a necklace that will always repress the power that is unleashed uncontrollably. Good luck with that Hyuuga!
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Tenten woke up. "How the hell does my father know about Neji?"
We can see almost everything that happens to you, Tenten dear.
Her mother's giggle lingered softly in her ear.
For these two months, get to know you kekkei gekkei Golden Dragon. Don't worry, everything will turn out fine.
Rat-Ox-Tiger-Hare-Boar-Monkey-Dog-Rooster-Horse-Dragon!
Gold sparks sprayed outwards and a white dragon with gold accents around its eyes, horns, mane…etc. burst from the crackling gold fire.
It opened its mouth. "Long time no see, Mistress Ryuu Tenten."
"Tenten stared at it. "How the hell do you know me."
It flopped onto its side. "We always know. I am Niwakayuki. Usually I don't spear in such a solid form…. normally I end up roaring from behind you. It adds a special something don't you think?"
Tenten laughed. "You remind me of myself…"
"Right to business then. When you use the Golden Dragon kekkei gekkei, I'll be around. I help amplify you senses, especially you eyesight, hearing, scent and touch. Taste really doesn't work so well. We don't like the flavor of ash so much. Many Ryuu members can use the Fire element of charka because, well, we're dragons."
Tenten rolled her eyes. "Do you have that necklace my mother mentioned?"
"It's actually on your neck right now. On a separate chain as that locket the Hyuuga gave you."
Tenten frowned. She lifted up the shimmering crystal on a silvery-gold chain. The same color clasp held a long, ivory-colored dragon tooth. Embedded at the base was the crystal.
Tenten undid the locket and dropped into her pouch. "Let's begin."
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Neji had waited for the next day after she left to apologize to Tenten. She had not shown up for practice and when he went to her apartment, she was not there. She had simply disappeared, but with traces that she would return. The Hokage said nothing, much to Neji's frustration.
Tenten trained with Niwakayuki, nicknamed Niwa-chan (a female dragon apparently) perfecting the skills of her ancestors for the two months. She moved to a nearby village where she got new stuff. During the time Tenten spent with Niwa-chan, she changed into a bit more mature and beauty as well.
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TBC
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Ooh, the lame drama I write! Tenten will return…don't you all wonder what will happen when she sees Neji again? Review your thoughts!
~Flurryfox
