a/n: This chapter we get all the explanations and backstory for the entire work.

Chapter Twenty-One

A half-hour later, and Neji and Menma were still at a loss. Despite Shikamaru not having locked the door from the inside, the door remained locked to Neji's touch. The magic that bound the door shut was too strong for Menma to do anything about it, and now they were debating dragging Shikamaru's body across the room (no he wasn't dead; he was breathing, and there was a strong pulse in his wrist) to see if pressing Shikamaru's hand against the door would open it.

What if he wakes up? Neji asked doubtfully. I don't know how hard his head hit the wall.

Well, one way or another, he's going to wake up at some point. It could either be during out break for freedom, where we have a chance of escape, or it could be when someone comes in here to check on us, and you get placed in an even more isolated area.

You have a point, Neji conceded. But…I feel as if, if I touch Shikamaru, it's wrong because I accidentally knocked him out in the first place.

Sweetling, don't feel bad about knocking him out. Whatever his intentions towards you were, they weren't good.

That doesn't change the fact that I hurt him! Neji snapped. Oh, this is useless—alright, I'm going to drag him across the room and see if the door opens for his touch then.

Take my cage with you. Just in case this actually works.

Neji obliged and picked up Menma's ornate metal cage; however, just as he was about to head back across the room, the door to his cell clicked open.

Neji nearly dropped the cage when the glow of firy phoenix feathers lit up the room. "Itachi?"

Hello, Neji.

Neji eyed the bird cautiously; Itachi was Sasuke's familiar, and thus Neji was unsure if Itachi was on his side or not. "Hello, Itachi. This is the first time we've ever spoken."

Indeed. The phoenix floated in to the room and nestled down on the floor, the cell door closing behind him. I have many things to tell you, Neji, and little time to do so. Will you hear me out?

"I am honored that you would choose to speak with me," Neji said warily. Menma what are we going to do? He said that there isn't much time!

Itachi interrupted their mental conversation. Let me tell you a story.

Once upon a time, there were two cousins. The cousins were polar opposites of each other: the older one was bright, lively and social, while the younger was cooler, and more difficult to reach.

And yet, the two cousins shared the same convictions and thoughts, despite their different exteriors. As they grew up, they came to be close friends, and when they came of age, they fell in love.

For nearly two years, the cousins were happy in their love. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end. One night, they were caught, and their family reacted by casting the two lovers apart from each other.

The younger was quick to take the blame for their relationship, seeking to protect the older from the harsh actions of their family. The younger was cursed by his parents to become a hideous beast in place of his handsome looks, so that all who looked at him would know the true nature of his heart. They banished him to an abandoned estate, and laid forth a set of conditions for the young man to break if he ever wanted to become a human again.

Neji let out a startled noise. "Is this…is this a story about Itachi and Shisui?"

The phoenix kept on going as if he hadn't heard Neji's outburst. The older cousin was left at home, and distraught and stricken by grief, he decided to escape from his family to go see his lover again.

The older cousin, skilled in the arts of wizardry, made it all the way to his lover's mansion. Despite the younger cousin's curse, the older cousin still accepted him, and begged him to stay.

The younger cousin, knowing that the older would be killed if he stayed, tried to push the older away, but it was too late. Their family came and killed the older man before his eyes, and then left with the body, leaving the younger cousin to mourn his lover's death alone.

The younger cousin, now completely transformed in to a hideous beast, mourned his lover's death for a thousand years. Then, at last, he withdrew from mourning, and at the encouragement of his former familiar, began attempting to break the curse that had been cast on to him by his family.

The bond between his familiar and him had been broken when he had been turned in to a beast, because while a man can have a familiar, a beast cannot. However, they still retained a connection through their heart-of-hearts, and through their shared magic. The familiar left out in to the world to try and find someone who could break the conditions of the curse so that he could be restored to his place by his master's side once more.

The familiar travelled far and wide for another thousand years. The younger cousin tried to break the curse many times,
but each time, the candidate would fall for one of the many traps in the path along the way to the cure, and the cousin remained in agony and heartbreak.

Until, finally, three years ago, in a final bid for freedom, the younger cousin chose to pursue a final candidate. This young man was the most beautiful man that both the cousin and the familiar had seen in their long, weary lives. The beast took some rash actions that resulted in the candidate showing up on his doorstep, and the final quest to break the curse began.

The candidate and the beast are on the last step of their journey. The choice is now yours, Neji: will you return to Itachi? Or will you remain with your family who, despite having wronged you, truly care for you, and want to welcome you back in to their arms?

Neji pressed his fingers to his lips as he stared at the phoenix in shock. "You…this can't be. This is impossible."

Nothing is impossible, Neji, the phoenix said gently. I am Itachi's former familiar. My true name is Amaterasu.

"Amaterasu?"

I took on Itachi's name as a way to get myself out of some tricky situations regarding magic, and as a sentimental reminder of who my true master is. But, that is irrelevant. Amaterasu ruffled his wings in agitation. Will you still go back to Itachi, now that you know the full story? Will you still go back to a man who fell in love with his own cousin? Will you go back to a man who couldn't save his lover from dying? Will you go back to a man who has only been hurt and scarred by his family and by the people he cares about?

Will you go back to a man living under a curse?

Neji didn't hesitate. "Yes. I'll go back to him."

Why?

"Because I love him." Neji smiled softly. "But not only for love, but also because, even though he fell in love with his cousin, even if he couldn't protect his lover, even if he has a broken past, I've seen his heart. I know who he is, and I know that he is a person who I've fallen in love with, and who I can't live without."

Are you certain? Once you make your decision, there will be no going back, Hyuga Neji. If you choose Itachi, you may never be able to see your family again. This idea nearly killed you recently. Are you truly ready to move on?

Neji pursed his lips. "Why do you feel the need to question me so much? Why can't you just accept my decision?"

Neji, answer Amaterasu's question, Menma said firmly. He brings up a legitimate concern.

Neji sighed heavily. "I'm not ready to move on, entirely. I know it will be painful…but I can see now that my family will not support the decisions that I wish to make for my future. It would be very different from what I have already envisioned…but even so, I wish to stay by Itachi's side."

You're certain that this is what you want?

"Yes, I'm sure," Neji said firmly.

Then we have no time to waste. Right now, Itachi is possessing Sasuke so that you two would have a chance to escape. However, the possession won't last for much longer; fortunately, he managed to use Sasuke to create a very confused situation, but the sooner you leave here the better.

You will have to journey to the mansion on foot. I would fly you, but, I have to stay here with Sasuke. He won't understand what will have happened, and I owe it to him to care of him up until the last second of our bond.

"Will Sasuke be alright?"

Amaterasu gave Neji a shrewd look from his beady eyes. I doubt it. But, are you truly surprised? You've seen that Itachi is willing to do anything to get you, Neji.

"But aren't you worried about Sasuke?"

Of course. That is why I wil stay here and take care of him, and prepare him for the new life ahead of him once our bond breaks. Amaterasu unfolded his wings and hovered above the ground. Neji, we have something in common between the two of us: our desire to return to Itachi's side. Perhaps I am simply willing to go to more drastic measures than you are.

"I don't pretend to understand you," Neji said shakily, "But I'm grateful for your help." Neji didn't feel right with this plan; Sasuke would be irrevocably scarred and hurt for the rest of his life, because of the selfish desires of Neji, Itachi, and Amaterasu.

Was that what it felt like to be a pawn in a larger game?

Neji jolted when the lock to Menma's cage suddenly fell open.

Menma will be able to fly freely now. Go down to the stables, and get going as soon as you can! Itachi's time is running short, and you will face a great many challenges ahead of you; keep in mind that once the situation here resolves itself, Hinata will send Orochimaru after you, if not the palace guard first.

"We'll go as fast as we can," Neji promised. "Although…before anything else happens, can you take care of Shikamaru? I…" Somehow, saying 'I hurt him' seemed too inadequate to describe the entire mess between Shikamaru and him.

Amaterasu seemed to understand. I'll take care of it. The firebird floated over to Shikamaru's prone form and began to heal him.

Say any farewells you have for him now. It will seem as if it were a dream to him, but all will become clear over time. It will give you enough time to get away before he starts looking for you again.

Neji swallowed thickly, and walked over to Shikamaru's side. He knelt down and took Shikamaru's hand and stroked his elegant fingers over Shikamaru's calloused ones.

"How can a person change so much, in such a short time? I know I am to blame for everything that's happened to you." Neji's eyes softened visibly, and his mouth quirked upwards in a bittersweet smile. "Please, forget about me Shikamaru. Find someone else who can heal your heart and make you happier than I ever could. Remember who you used to be. I will always love you, and I wish for your future happiness." Neji pressed a kiss to Shikamaru's fingers, and then released his hand.

Amaterasu touched the crown of his head to Shikamaru's forehead, and then straightened up. Things will be painful for all of your family for a while, but I assure you that they will all heal with time. Don't look back on this moment and regret it in the future, Neji. Instead, look back on this moment, and choose to believe you made the right decision. Otherwise, surely, you will drown in your own sorrows.

Neji bowed seriously to the phoenix. "Thank you. I hope to see you soon, Amaterasu."

Farewell. With that, both parties left the room—the golden bird in search of his bonded human, while Neji and Menma made a mad dash to the stables.

Escaping the palace had been relatively easy; there had been few people in the halls, as the majority of the castle's occupants had fled, or left to try and subdue Sasuke on the upper floors. To Neji's pleasant surprise, Suigetsu, the horse he had first ridden to Itachi's mansion, was still in the stables and looked to be in excellent health.

Neji gently coaxed Suigetsu out of the stable after stealing some riding gear that a stablehand had dropped in his rush to leave the palace. Neji paused as he sat astride the great destrier, gazing for the final time at his childhood home.

Neji. It's time to go.

"Yes." Neji sighed deeply and relaxed his shoulders as he gently turned Suigetsu in the direction of the palace cemetery. "Farewell, Father, Kakashi, and Iruka. Please grant me your blessings for the road." Farewell, my family. Please…Neji struggled to put his desire in to words.

Neji, there isn't much time, Menma prodded him gently. We need to go.

"May you find happiness," Neji whispered. With that, he turned around and rode off into the oncoming evening, without looking back.

XXX

Neji shivered and huddled down on Suigetsu's back as they tore across the countryside. Unlike the first time he'd left, Neji was ill-prepared for the journey: he hadn't brought any supplies with him, and he was dressed poorly for winter weather. Neji shuddered; he'd barely survived the first journey. How was he going to survive this one?

But he had to. He had to, for Itachi's sake. He wanted to break Itachi's curse, he wanted to show Itachi how to love again.

Menma pulled on his earlobe with the tip of his beak. Are you alright?

"I'm fine. I'm just cold."

We should have taken a bit more time and grabbed some more supplies before leaving, Menma fretted.

Neji appreciated Menma trying to lift the tension of the atmosphere, but right now he just wanted to think about his decisions and his future in silence. "Well, there isn't anything we can do about it now."

There's no need to get so snappy.

"But there is, isn't there?" Neji said bitterly. "We're heading off to an uncertain future…I don't know if I made the right decision at all.

Now, it is difficult to see things. Later on, when you look back at this moment, I think you will be able to judge the wisdom of your decision better then.

"What if there is no future? What if I made the wrong decision and end up unhappy for the rest of my life?"

Neji, I doubt it. You are a strong person with a strong spirit. No matter what happens, I think you will be able to find your happiness where ever you end up.

Neji blinked in surprise and began to refute Menma's statement when Suigetsu suddenly stopped moving and flung Neji forward against his neck.

"Ow." Neji winced and rubbed his cheek. "Suigetsu, what…?" A cold gust of wind washed over them and Neji turned around in the saddle.

His heart stopped at the sight that met his eyes. At their backs, a massive snowstorm was steadily approaching them. It was still quite a distance off, but Neji didn't know if they could beat it.

Neji, we have to move. If we can make it past the forest before the storm hits us, we can still make it in time to Itachi before the curse falls.

Neji nodded and gently coaxed the nervous horse into a strong canter. This horse has been in the heat of battle and come out unscathed an unafraid, but it's scared of this storm…

Just concentrate on getting to the forest, Neji. We can't afford to get distracted now.

Neji huddled down in the cloak and pulled out the ring to make sure that they were headed in the right direction. He hoped that things didn't get any worse than they were now.

XXX

Neji was worried.

They'd been riding for a long time; longer than the first time Neji had made the journey. They'd stopped and redirected themselves several times over the course of the journey, but now Neji could see that Suigetsu was getting tired. They were also still racing the humongous snowstorm at their backs; Neji was positive that it was closer than it had been before.

At last, Neji spotted the treeline, and he gently began guiding Suigetsu into the trees, desperately hoping and praying that no animals would attack them, and that there would be few hindrances to their path.

Neji simply focused on guiding Suigetsu through the tight spaces in between the trees. By now, they had reached the thickest part of the forest; Neji struggled not to trip over gnarly roots and branches underfoot. His heart began to lighten when he noticed that the trees were starting to thin out again…

Only for his heart to drop through his toes when a sudden spurt of wind snaked its way underneath his cloak, and then the storm was upon them.

Branches slapped his face and battered at his body. Twigs and pine needles caught at his hands and blew into his eyes. Rain and snow drenched his cloak and left Neji shivering. The ground became slippery with torrential water and snow as Neji struggled to guide Suigetsu through the trees.

Is he trying to kill me? Some way to try and get me to turn back. Neji cursed as a treebranch snagged the hood of his cloak and caught on the soft skin of his cheek. His face and neck became soaked with rain, and a stinging pain ran across his face.

They're trying to make you so miserable that you'll lose hope of going forward.

That won't happen! I can't let Itachi die. Not when I finally accepted my feelings for him…

Precisely. Menma shivered violently on Neji's shoulder as Neji struggled to pull his hood back up with numb fingers. Remember that, and don't be tempted to give up.

Neji could barely see in front of his face. The only thing he could do was hold Itachi's ring in front of him and follow the faint path of the beam of light and hope that he was going towards the mansion. As the rain began coming down harder, and Neji and Suigetsu stopped crashing into fewer obstacles, Neji guessed that they were now on the other side of the woods.

Neji and Suigetsu skidded to a stop when a figure suddenly appeared before them.

"Neji."

Neji straightened his back and did his best to appear regal and determined despite his low spirits. "Orochimaru." He lifted his chin defiantly and clung onto Suigetsu's reigns. "You came alone?"

"Both Sasuke and Kabuto are injured and unable to work magic." Orochimaru made as if to step forward, but Neji swiftly clambered up onto Suigetsu's back and glared down at him. "Take one step forward and I'll run you down with Suigetsu."

Orochimaru stopped, but Neji felt as if Orochimaru was simply obliging him and not taking him seriously. "Why would you go running back into the arms of a monster who hurt the people you love, Neji? Why would you do such a thing? Can't you see how he's twisting you and hurting you, even getting you to consider hurting us as well?"

Neji's mind went back to Shikamaru, and how he'd slammed his head against the wall. "…It's too late to go back now."

The light from the ruby illuminated Orochimaru's face as he smiled kindly up at Neji. "You're talking about Shikamaru, aren't you? He'll forgive you with time, Neji."

"You don't understand! Everyone has changed, Orochimaru. Why can no one see that Itachi treated me well? That he was kind to me? That even though he made some terrible decisions and did some terrible things, that he is still someone I inherently trust and believe in?"

"Because all Itachi has ever done is hurt us, and hurt the Hyuga family, Neji." Orochimaru tried to step forward, but Neji pulled on the reigns warningly. "Neji, this isn't the right choice for you. Come back home, to the Hyuga Castle. Regain Shikamaru's trust. Fall in love with him, marry him, and bring peace to the Hyuga and Nara kingdoms. You can do so much with your life Neji. But…if you go with Itachi, you'll find yourself regretting the decision for the rest of your life. What can you gain from staying with a beast?"

Neji folded his lips into a thin line. He doesn't know about the curse. Of course. "Not everything is as it seems. I know what I'm doing, Orochimaru."

"You are so set on returning to the beast?"

"I am."

Orochimaru sighed heavily and lifted his hands. Suddenly, the storm stopped, and the clouds stopped covering the sun. In front of them lay the field; the field was now covered in slushy snow, and Neji could see the forms of the white wolf pack prowling around at the gates of the mansion at the far end.

Neji felt a stab of fear, both from the sight of the wolves, and at the sight of Orochimaru's raised hands. "Orochimaru, what—?"

Suddenly, Menma launched himself out of Neji's hood and directly at Orochimaru's face just as a blast of red light shot out of Orochimaru's hands. The blast went past Neji's body and into the forest, and Neji stared in horror as Menma began to viciously attack Orochimaru's face. Orochimaru swore and began to attack Menma with magic, which Menma managed to evade.

Go Neji! I'll meet up with you at the mansion.

But Menma—

GO!

Neji took off down the field without further protest, his heart hammering nervously in his chest. He hoped that Menma would be able to stop Orochimaru unhurt, but he had a feeling that Menma would not come out of the venture without harm.

Suigetsu was getting tired. Too tired. He slowly dropped his canter and stumbled into a weary trot. Neji looked forward and then blinked in surprise when he realized that the wolves were no longer standing in front of mansion gates, and that the mansions gates were swinging on their hinges, the pathway opening directly onto the grounds.

Neji soothingly rubbed Suigetsu's neck. "Come on boy…just a little more…we're almost there, come on, don't give up on me now!"

Suigetsu stumbled wearily forward, only to fall to his knees a mere five feet from the door. Neji gasped in surprise and then stumbled off of Suigetsu's back, tears falling down on his cheeks again. "Suigetsu…"

Neji stiffened in fear when he heard low growls behind him. He didn't have to look up to know that the white wolf pack had formed a semicircle around Suigetsu and him.

Neji didn't want to make this choice. He hated hurting the people and things he loved.

The wolves began inching closer, and Neji threw back his head in rage and despair. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Suigetsu's quivering head and then scrambled to his feet, throwing himself into the mansion gates.

The gates clanged shut, closed by an invisible force. Neji's mouth trembled as he saw the wolf pack leap onto Suigetsu's prone form.

He forced himself to turn away towards the halls of the mansion. Itachi, this…no, you had better be worth it.

a/n: Will Neji's journey be worth it? and I do hope that Amaterasu's explanation did clear everything up for the story. Leave a comment if it didn't, and i'll see if I can clear it up for you!

Poor, poor Neji. he has to go through so much in this story!