Under the lake's surface, Sakura swam toward a faint glimmer in the distance. Light barely reflected off the glass and encased inside the coffin was Neji. He was pale, but she had a feeling that he was still alive. Thank god he wasn't an undead who craved meat or who knew how she could help him. She'd be too busy running away pathetically. The popular stories from the traveling theater troupes used to say that most cursed to a half-life became walking corpses so she was worried.
She shook her head. Focus, Sakura! Save the mysterious man in the coffin first!
She tapped on the glass. Nope. He didn't even flutter an eyelash. She tried to punch the coffin, but the water pulled back at her and it became a feeble hit. Next, she created a ball of light and aimed it toward the leg area in case glass shards harmed him. Healing a leg was better than a face! She'd control the force…it was usually enough to blast men off their feet so it should break glass!
WHOOSH!
As soon as the light hit the coffin, it started to crack as silver light poured out of it. Startled, Sakura swam back a bit and a strange woman's voice hummed in the water —
The Gods of the Moon accept the Fae's Blessed for the Trial. Tame the mad son, prove your worth for the moon's blessing. Only one is destined to free the soul.
Then the light vanished and the coffin along with it. Instead, Neji stood upright in the water and the symbol on his forehead glowed with a silver light. He opened his eyes and…
Suddenly attacked. With a growl, the man darted forward in the water as if he were on land and kicked her in the chest.
Sakura coughed out blood at the strength of his kick and hurried to use her magic to propel her through the heavy waters. She tried to mimick a fish as she moved and by reflex raised a shield of light around her — BAM!
Neji's eyes were crazed as he pummeled his fists against her shield and her magic shook with each hit. Sakura was astounded by his strength. She tried to throw a hard punch and the water soften her blow by tenfold. How on earth did he hold so much strength and why didn't gravity and the sea's pressure affect his movements?! If only she had Kisame here —
No. The voice must have been a spell like how her dreams were narrated by a voice as well. This was a trial. If she had help, she probably wouldn't even be able to wake up the man. She had to win this on her own, but how?
Sakura held up her shield as she looked around for any hint to stopping an extremely strong, crazed man who was trapped underwater for hundreds of years. Well. Do-able. There were only coral around her and the fish had long swam off, but when she peered at the stone pillar, there was a single tunnel at the bottom. It stood out so there must be a hint inside! At the very least, she could block him off with her shields at the tunne's entrance while she planned her next move.
BAM. BAM. BAM.
Sakura took the risk and just blasted her shield at him until Neji flew off with the sudden wave of magic. While he was propelled way by momentum, she quickly used her magic to hasten her swim to the tunnel's entrance. It was outlined in white coral. Like how she focused on a force launching her when she flew in the sky, she did the same underwater. And with the power Kisame gave her, she could even get a sense for the ocean's currents. Faster! She had to make it before Neji could catch up!
She didn't dare look back as she was sure Neji was right behind her. The man didn't have the law of physics apply to him apparently so she couldn't afford to break focus. Almost there…!
With a final push, she made it through the tunnel's entrance, just feeling Neji's cold fingers graze her ankle, and soon discovered an underwater temple! It wasn't as large as the ones in the capital, but it could easily house a small gathering. Although the walls were made of crystal and it looked stunning, it wasn't helpful right now. There was nothing but a single altar at the end and symbols painted on the walls in black. Resigned for a brawl, she quickly surrounded herself with another light barrier before turning around to face Neji's punches, but he was nowhere in sight!
GROOOWL! Neji roared in a way that was neither human nor in the language of the sea and she could feel the origin's power in her bones. A slight shiver went down her spine. It was like she was facing a dragon! She bit her lips as she tried to look around for any more clues, weapons, anything to buy time.
BAM. BAM. BAM! Neji pounded away at the tunnel's entrance when Sakura realized he couldn't come here. The hollow man banged against an invisible wall and wailed. He never stopped pounding as if he only knew how to react and couldn't form detailed strategies. He was just like the undead told in stories albeit more handsome.
With a sigh of relief, Sakura relaxed her shoulders a bit. Oh, thank gods. Now what?
She studied Neji's angry form for a while longer before finally feeling secure that he wouldn't suddenly pop up behind her. Next, she began to look closely at this mysterious place. An underwater temple hidden beneath a stone pillar that blocked the powerful warrior from entering had to be related to Neji's curse.
And so, Sakura studied the walls of the temple and the ancient symbols drawn on them. On the pale crystal walls of various colors, there were drawings of stars and moons and people in white robes who seemed to fall from the heavens toward robed woman waiting at an altar drawn on the bottom of the wall. The scene repeated itself mulitple times. Each time, there was a god with a different face and a robed lady whose head was always bowed and expression hidden by her hood. This must be the story of the moon god and the princess, like Hinata.
From outside, she could hearing the banging non-stop as if the man didn't even need a break to recuperate from his wild hits. She had to break his curse with the knowledge from this temple since escaping wasn't an option.
Once she scanned everything on the walls without understanding the ancient symbols, she walked toward the stone altar in the center of the room. Did the main Hyuuga clan know that this place existed before they trapped Neji in a coffin near here? Or were they not able to reach the bottom of the lake and never realized? Who built this place? She was plagued with so many questions to ask and no one to answer them.
As she stood at the simple stone altar, there was only drawings of the moon cycle running around the edges of the round altar. In the center was a familiar symbol. It was an intricate design holding a sun, star and moon, but in the middle of all that was a star-tipped wand. And there was only one famous legend who was known for those wands. But it couldn't be or could it? Godmother Ella was the one who led her to these worlds. Could a fairy godmother be entangled with not only the fae, but also the moon gods?!
She looked about the room again, but there was nothing else. Not even chairs. So she focused on the strange symbol and suddenly had the urge to touch it. She held out a finger and just in case, formed a light barrier around herself like the armor she created like when she fought alongside Kisame. Like a golden knight of legend, her armor of light shone in the waters while her hair danced around her despite the transparent helmet of light on her.
Ready for anything, she hoped, she placed one golden-tipped finger on the symbol and instantly, a white fire burned above the altar. She took her hand back as the floating white flame expanded and spread until it became a pillar of fire that encased the entire altar.
Sakura watched in astonishment as she felt the power burning inside her. It felt like liquid lightning that surged in her veins just like that intense pillar of flame. The sensation grew stronger and stronger until pure light poured out of her and everything faded within it's embrace. And it was in that moment, that a memory played out before them in an illusion that seemed so real. The illusion was Hinata.
Suddenly, time seemed to stand still as the woman from the vision emerged before her. It was the first time that happened. Dressed as she was on her wedding day, the black haired princess whose eyes were like glistening full moons smiled at her.
Hinata said, "Greetings. I am Hinata, princess of the Hyuuga and the one who sealed this place to keep the true soul of the Hyuuga safe. As promised with the Vow of Balance, I have stood watched over the last son of the moon until the destined chosen of the Fae's Blessed arrived. You have found the entrance to the temple despite the pressuring attacks of the warrior with your sense of awareness, calmness and quick reaction. Well done and welcome, Fae's Blessed." Suddenly, a bright blue star emerged next to her and Sakura could feel the immense power in it's blue depths. Neji's powerful presence was nothing compared to this being. Was it truly a god?! Sakura fought the urge to kneel as she focused on the divine pair.
An ethereal, low voice spoke like a tidal of waves she couldn't put to words, "And I am one of the Celestials, a God of the Moon and husband of Hinata the Moon Goddess. For you who fought to break through to here, I wish to convey my gratitude. And I thank you in advance for your future trials." The voice seemed sad yet proud as it paused. Finally, it resumed speaking, "I can only show you this form or I may sin as many before me have and tear apart your mortal form with my presence. Now that you are here, my wife will tell you what you need to know and I will owe you a favor for freeing my wife from her bound to this place with the release of the Hyuuga."
Hinata bowed her head and reached a hand out to touch Sakura's forehead. A symbol of a purple diamond outlined with silver appeared above the center of her brows. "With this, you have the blessing of Our favor. Sakura Haruno, Chosen of Godmother Ella, I wish to give you my aid and I hope you will continue to help others. I see a challenging and bright future ahead of you. It depends on your generation now."
Sakura's jaw dropped and she almost forgot to breathe! A goddess and god gave her their blessing? That was the same as receiving a Fae's blessing. What kind of power did they give her and why? She was only here to grant a single wish not save the kingdoms from great peril as they made it sound.
Right?
Hinata rubbed her thumb along Sakura's cheek as if she were her granddaughter and Sakura remembered that although the fair maiden looked her age with soft puffy cheeks and big bright eyes, she had probably watched over this place for hundreds of years while Neji 'slept'. The maiden from her vision was a goddess now. She looked stronger, wiser and truly alive. She looked the opposite of the lost, resigned princess that aimed to sacrifice herself for her clan. Sakura wondered if she could ever hope to become like this goddess.
Hinata smiled and said, "I can not say too much, but please look after my brother. We will be watching over you two always." Then she let go of Sakura and held out a palm. Her eyes flashed and a tear dotted her eye. "Neji-nii-sama has finally regained consciousness."
Oh. No wonder she couldn't hear any more drunken wailing — ahem — mad screaming from the entrance.
A man stumbled into the temple then he froze at the sight of the pale-eyed goddess. He rushed toward the altar. Once again, he walked like he defied physics as he stormed inside. Maybe it was an influence of the Celestials. Neji's eyes watered as he cried out, "Sister!" He ran toward her embrace and hugged her hard. Sobs erupted from him as he cried out, "It's been so long. I wish I could have —"
"I know. It's alright, Neji-nii-sama. I am happy." She wrapped her arms around him. "You saw, right? The moon god is my husband. He is kind and patient and accompanied me in this temple while we waited for your time to be released. I am sorry you had to wait so long. If only I could have let you truly sleep, but to do so would require that I risk your body to the decays of time with your lack of consciousness so I settled for muddling your sense of time. Please forgive me."
Neji hugged her tighter. "Nonsense. I should ask for forgiveness."
Sakrua's eyes teared up at the touching moment, but after a while it became awkward. It felt like she interrupted a private family reunion. Then the blue star, the moon god, chuckled and spoke, "Sakura is waiting to be introduced formally, my dear."
"Oh! Sorry." Hinata's eyes were moist as tears of pearls fell from her eyes. Clink clink. They fell delicately toward the floor. "I apologize. It seems that power of mine hasn't gone away."
Neji laughed. "Like old times."
Sakura stared wide eyed at the pearls. Wait. She could cry pearls as a mortal? How useful would that be for her travels should she leave the castle — She shook her head again. Stop getting distracted!
Hinata gestured toward Sakura, "Neji-nii-sama. This is the Fae Chosen. Sakura Haruno. Please protect her well. She has a great destiny to fulfill."
The moment Neji realized there was another person and turned to greet her, he froze. She — She — His face heated up and he struggled to speak, "Y-You are the dream, I mean, the godd — no."
Sakura tilted her head in confusion. Hinata also raised a brow. "Are you fine, Neji-nii-sama?"
"No." Neji finally said then sighed. "I think I am connected to her. I had dreams of her and felt her power. Your power." He stepped closer toward Sakura, not realizing that he was the mad beast trying to bash her face in moments before. "It is good to meet you, Lady Sakura." He bent to kiss her on the back of her hand.
Hinata giggled in secret before she got down to business. It wasn't long before she had to leave for the celestial realms whether she wanted to or not. Her role was over. "I have no more time. Just know, my dear brother, that your future lies with her. I won't force you to listen, but I have had visions so it is up to you how you want to act from now on. But in the visions, you are to be one of her guardians. There will be a trial and you must learn to support her to help preserve the balance of this world. If you do not wish to do this task, then I can free you from it, but you will lose —"
Neji didn't hesitate, "I spent hundreds of years caged up and now I am here with my destiny. I will support her wholly, sister, do not fret." From birth, destiny was the core of their beliefs so to hear that his suffering had purpose was truly a god's gift. There was nothing else he truly wanted anymore save his sister's happiness…and her. This was a true miracle and it felt so unreal that he feared this was another dream. He clenched his fist.
"This isn't a dream, Neji-nii-sama." Hinata knew Neji wanted to do this for different reasons, but she kept silent with a cheeky grin. She was glad he could finally be free in spirit and body now.
Flustered, Sakura looked back and forth and said, "Wait! I can't just accept this. You barely know me and what destiny and I won't force you to follow me—"
At that moment, both Neji and Hinata and that damn Celestial star seemed to give her puppy dog eyes and she couldn't finish her words. "…Can't we try out how we get along first?" Sure, she was attracted to the man, but she wasn't expecting promises of forevers and epic destinies from this dream world spell journey she was on! But she did want to help the poor soul who was chained here. So she added, "If you feel any different about this situation later, do not worry. I will let you go with enough to get you started on a new life. I promise."
Neji gulped as she stared at him with such a serious gaze and he his heart sped up. He said softly, "That won't happen, but I agree. We should get to know each other better. I will serve you well until we are close then." Neji said graciously, but deep down he felt a bit sad at her serious face. Was it just him going crazy with these feelings? That was fine. He had time. He knew how to be patient.
Hinata glanced at Neji knowingly before she said, "Now I need your help, Sakura, dear. Your magic is blessed by the Fae and their power is potent enough to break our seal. Please, if you can help me release the curse from Neji then you can return. Please give me your hand. I will guide you through the process."
"Of course, Goddess." She held out her hand. Shoot! If she knew that, she would have just broke the seal on his head first!
"And don't fret - you need a celestial to help you break this seal so you did well on her trial." She smiled at her with fondness. "And you may simply call me Hinata." She took Sakura's hand and her eyes glowed a brilliant blue and silver while she guided Sakura's power within her. Slowly, she placed Sakura's plam on Neji's forehead, where the seal laid, and white light shone from her palm. Soon, the seal on Neji was released and the symbol on his forehead faded away. With a sigh, the moon goddess said, "You are finally free."
Neji didn't know what to think or even feel. He never thought this day would come. He was prepared to wallow in punishment for eternity and he couldn't stop his tears from falling. After being trapped in a coffin who could only see the world through visions, but never take part in it, he thought he lost all sense of his emotions, but look at him now. His voice faltered, "There is so much I do not fully comprehend, Sister."
Hinata's tears fell as she watched her brother cry and she was so, so grateful she could finally release him from his curse. As she thought about her clan, a deep rage echoed as she hissed, "When my husband took me away from the altar, I didn't feel angry at the clan even though they tried to kill me. I still believed it was my fate and they were only doing their part in the greater scheme. But when they chained you and sent you down to a lonely hell, Neji, they crossed the line. The clan was nothing but corrupt and cruel, but they were quite foolish to think I would protect them as a goddess just because I was an obedient princess. So I cursed them. I made sure they would all pay for their actions. I had hoped maybe the children would grow up better, but they hadn't and slowly the birth rate declined and their powers waned. I am only sorry that the power to release you from your curse wasn't soley mine to utilize as it just so happened there was a prophecy of the Fae linked to this temple. And there was enemies watching to break in. So I could only wait with you and stand guard until dear Sakura came. Neji, you have suffered because of me." More and more tears fell from her face as she told her story and soon the temple grounds were dotted with pearls.
Neji hugged Hinata and he could feel how cold her skin was, how power radiated from her. She wasn't the mortal anymore, but she was always his dear sister first. Even as a goddess, she still had pearls trickled down her face like she had when she was a child. "I should be saying sorry for having you suffer for my failings. If only I was stronger then I would never have got caught and you would have lived happily with the celestials all this time. You should have left me." He knew he couldn't change time however and so he said, "But thank you."
Hinata sobbed, "You are the only family I have, Neji."
After a long while, the two let go and Hinata gestured to the hovering blue star. She said, "Even though he looks like this, my husband is quite talkative so I wasn't alone. He couldn't stay down here forever as he had duties he still must fulfill as one of the moon gods, however he came down a lot so don't worry over my wait. I'm just so happy to see this day. So happy."As she said so, both her and the star were beginning to fade and Neji instinctively reached out, but held back.
Hinata's lips trembled at her parting. "Now that my role is over, the realm calls for me. I wish we had more time, but we don't." The raven-haired beauty then turned to Sakura. "Once again, thank you for releasing my brother. I have heard tales of your exploits from the Fae, Chosen. Please watch over him for me. I sense you two will go far together." Then she placed her hands on both Neji and Sakura's heads. "Husband."
The blue star moved to hover above Hinata's head and soon her hands glowed as a strange energy poured into Neji and Sakura. Then she dropped her hands and smiled with the radiance of a goddess. "You two now have the blessing of both the Moon God and Goddess. Neji, you now have the power of the main Hyuuga clan — even more so. I trust you will use your strengths to do great things." The pale-eyed princess and the star's forms faded to the point that they were transparent ghosts.
Hinata's fading smile was blinding as she wrapped her arms around Neji's shoulders one last time, her long white sleeves dancing in the air as she leaned in and whispered, "I love you, Neji-nii-sama. Now be happy and enjoy your freedom. I will always be watching over you."
And just like that, they vanished from the temple leaving the two mortals on their own. A silence loomed over them as they took in what happened and Sakura felt for Neji's loss. If she had family like that, she would be devastated to see her go even though she was in a happier place. She hoped they could see her again one day.
When he finally got used to the state of feeling again, he faced Sakura. "So she was happy." Then he told her his story as if he were confessing to a goddess himself. He had to tell his story to Sakura, "Sa — Sakura. I could see the world through visions that came and go even as I lost my sense of time. No matter how many years seemed to pass, I could never truly sleep. It was my punishment. But recently I heard your voice and had a vision of you, Sakura. I can only imagine you are a goddess if you knew the Fae and held the power to save my life. So let me thank you formally." He bowed deeply. Sakura noted how his body still didn't have the law of physics apply to him as he moved as elegantly as he did on land and didn't even try to breathe. Was he still human anymore when his curse ended? But then, she lived with dark mages and mermen so she didn't think too hard about it. Going with the flow, she focused on another thing.
"It was no problem, but I am not a goddess. Truly. My name is Sakura Haruno, a simple runaway noble lady who is being helped by a fairy godmother."
Neji shook his head. "Only those with the power of Celestials may enter this holy place and break the seal."
"Well I think it's because of my light magic —" Sakura paused. She felt her magic act up inside her in warning and she wondered how long it had been. Kisame's magic wouldn't last forever! "I need to go to the surface. The magic that helps me breathe underwater is warning me it'll soon be time."
Without missing a beat, Neji dashed up to her and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Let me take you. I am faster than you underwater." He recalled her slowed movements underwater and wondered why he wasn't affected by the pressures of the sea. Was it magic or was his body not the same he knew anymore? There was no time to question it. He quickly pulled both of them out of the temple and to the surface — the only time he paused was when he left the temple grounds. As soon as they passed through the entrance, the tunnel collapsed as well as the stone pillar. And just like that, everything he ever knew crumbled away.
Neji shook his head and kept swimming up as he made sure not to hold Sakura too tightly — he could only look forward from now on. When Sakura and Neji reached the surface of the water, she merely used her magic to make them float toward Gaara's sand boat. Gaara was expecting them and made space.
Sakura cried out, "Gaara. I met a moon god and goddess."
Gaara nodded. He wasn't surprised. The goddess always had something happening. "I see. Whose he?" He didn't care about other gods, only about Sakura and who will join their forces.
"That's it? Not curious about celestials or moon myths?"
"Meh. I'm like Kakashi, not my problem. When I die, there'd be too many of them to see anyway. Now whose he?" Gaara sized up the pale-eyed man whose long, black hair rivaled Itachi's. He couldn't wait to instigate the invulnerable Uchiha by saying Sakura liked Neji's hair better. On reflex, he always looked for ways to torment his rivals/fellow guardians.
Neji seemed to understand Gaara's instinct and bowed slightly. "I am Neji Hyuuga. A guardian to join your cause, as commanded by the moon goddess." He said formally.
"If that's your only reason, you are free to leave. We got it covered." Gaara snorted. He didn't need people here by obligation. But if he wasn't, then…
Sakura frowned, but then Neji interjected. With a fierce gaze, he said, "I also am here to guard the goddess Sakura as one who respects her fully. So I am afraid I cannot leave her side." He didn't understand his feelings entirely, but he had a gut instinct that he couldn't leave her side without losing something important and so he added, "She is more important to me than my life."
"Ohhh? Good. Exactly as it should be. I'm Gaara. You'll meet — meh, you'll see."Gaara focused on Sakura and Neji. A new rival has arrived, but maybe he could mentor the man and gain an ally. Shrewd thoughts ran through the sand warrior's mind as he contemplated strategies to make the other men at a disadvantage to gaining more time with the lady. It was a fun game they played at the castle, all for Sakura's favor. And he could understand being powerless and enslaved so deep down, he related to the pale-eyed man, although he would never admit it.
Sakura scolded before poor Neji got overwhelmed by her sand trickster, "Okay, enough! Let's get to shore, please."
"Of course, my love." Gaara said as he didn't tell Neji about the other guardians. Let him think she was only his for now. Heh. To him, messing with the others were fun, but not with Sakura. He held a wet pink strand between his fingers. Unbeknowest to him, Neji already got the hint there may be others. "Maybe we should have brought extra clothing."
"I wish. But you know how the castle works. My clothes change at random at any moment." She then used her magic to dry her and Neji as the boat rapidly sped to shore. "There."
Gaara pouted. "I wanted to warm you up personally, but I won't press you." He eyed her. "Yet." Then soon, the boat landed back on shore and the sand dispersed as soon as they landed.
Now standing by themselves at the shore, Sakura was surprised they weren't immediately transferred home. She tried to think why — she saved Neji, solved a mystery of the temple, met a moon god…what more could she do? She looked at Gaara, "I can't think of a reason why we aren't back at the castle?"
Gaara pursed his lips, glanced at Neji then back. "Maybe you need to fu — I mean, perhaps you should join hands with the moon man."
Sakura blinked at him. Then her face burned with embarrassment. W-Well, she did explore, ahem, a lot since she landed in these dreams, but the man just woke up after thousands of years! Surely there were more important issues?! But it was true that she didn't return until she had time to truly get to know the soul of the dream. Maybe she needed to connect with the lost man? But not physically — he just woke up from a long dream she was sure. Maybe the job wasn't done until she could reach the heart of the soul and not just help him in his predicament.
She didn't understand how she could have done it so far, but reaching someone's heart was more complicated than fighting. And she had a time limit. Damn, but it was worth a try. Unlike in the other dreams, where the men were like her and didn't mind getting intimate, Neji was like the moon — alone and pure. He just gave off a solitary vibe. Of course, she could be exaggerating, but even so, the man spent years watching the world pass by from within a lake so… Wait a minute, how was he not crazy right now? She would be! "Neji, I know being on the surface suddenly must be overwhelming. How are you feeling?"
Neji gazed deep into her emerald eyes and he almost fell into a trance at the vibrant color that seemed to dance. He cleared his throat. "I would have dreams as I slept. Although I was aware of passing time, it was like a very long dream. If I focused, I could remember things, but otherwise it's all a haze. Do not worry for me as there is nothing to worry about." He touched his forehead where seal used to be. "This seal used to chain me, but it also kept me sane so that is an optimistic wonder. I'm…just happy being here. Being anywhere."
Sakura teared up at his confession and she gestured to a place to sit on the sand. "If you want, we can just chat or do you want to be alone with your thoughts. I do not want to pressure you right now."
"No." He gently took her hand. "No. I would like to converse with you." And so the two sat down while Gaara gave them space. And chatted.
At first, Neji talked about his childhood, not knowing Sakura saw it in a vision. On her end, Sakura listened wholeheartedly and soon the awkwarness became familiar. Neji began to ask Sakura about her childhood and she mentioned horses and carriages, the western foods and hobbies of ladies she found boring. He laughed.
When they seemed to be laughing too hard, Gaara sat down next to them to join in.
For the first time, she simply just talked with the soul of the dream and yet she still felt as intimate as she did when she was embraced. While she wasn't as shy about her body anymore, she realized she hadn't placed on as much value on her own words and opinions as she thought.
The fact that she was surprised that her words could reach a person without being a lover said volumes on her conditioned beliefs. As far back as she could remember, she was told that women had no rights, no opinions and that their voices were pleasantries and music. A woman couldn't sway a man's opinion and had no right to property nor children so why should she care? Even though she thought she had grown since entering this fairy tale spell, it seemed she still had a lot to work on for herself.
Neji kissed the back of her hand shyly and whispered, "Thank you for listening to my worries, goddess. A worthless slave like me didn't deserve your time."
"You are not worthless!" Sakura grabbed his hands and held them up. "You are a loyal, strong warrior and a truly loving soul. If you say that again, then…then I am not a goddess! In fact, I won't even be worthy to be called a human being! So stop disrespecting yourself or I'll disrespect myself. You are worthy, Neji." Since the man didn't find love for himself then she'd threaten the one he was dead set on calling a goddess! It felt silly using herself as a threat, but it seemed to work.
Neji smiled softly and he bowed his head to touch his forehead on their entwined hands. "As you command, my goddess. If you insist on giving value to me then I shall strive to uphold your expectations."
"Please realize that is not the reason to do so, but I won't rush you. You will see your value in time."
"Yes, goddess."
"Sakura." She pouted. "Stop calling me goddess."
"Sakura," Neji licked his lips. "Yes, goddess Sakura. That is a fitting name."
"…Oh fine." Well, he needed time to get used to the idea of not being treated as a slave and she needed to remember that her words have weight. So both of them had a common goal. A warm feeling bloomed in her heart.
Gaara laid a hand on both of their shoulders and said, "Sakura, dear, don't worry. It takes time to adjust when you stop being a slave but I can understand. You can also rely on me, Neji, if you need an ear." In a rare bout of compassion for the other ex-slave, the sand warrior offered his help.
"Yes, great one of the goddess —"
"Ahem!" Sakura interrupted. "Please, you are equal to us, Neji. His name is Gaara, remember?"
Gaara nodded. "She's right. This isn't that outdated caste system you called a clan. I mean," he coughed into his fist and suddenly acted like a kind, wise man beyond his years, "You will find that our home is a place of equality and you are one of us now. If you want to be." Not one to miss the opportunity to take the man under his wing like a worthy ally, Gaara welcomed him. The others had allies so finally he had his. Of course, he couldn't let Sakura know his intent.
Neji nodded obliviously and knelt to the ground. "I do! From this day forward, I vow to follow the goddess Sakura with all my heart and soul until this body has met its end." Like he was finding heaven, his eyes glistened. "You are the one who uncovered the truth about my sister and saved myself. My life is yours."
Sakura knelt down in front of him and gently raised him to his feet. She said, "No, you saved your sister, I simply helped you at the end. Your sacrifice won't be in vain. I vow to do all I can to help against the dark forces. Whether you join me or want to be free, I will leave it up to you. You can leave anytime. But if you join me, then I will treat you as one of my own. I will treat you as family."
Neji's eyes widened at her words. It was the first time he met someone as kind and open as Hinata. After a life of solitude, this mysterious woman even said she'd let him become family. What did he do to deserve such grace? And so he vowed, "I will never leave your side. Go- Ah. Sakura." He held up her hands to his lips and laid a gentle kiss on the tips of her fingertips.
Neji's eyes lowered as he tried to hide the small burning fire that threatened to leak out. He couldn't believe himself and he didn't want to scare away the goddess, so he stopped with that kiss. What he didn't know was Gaara smirking as he watched the real innocent man try to hide his reaction. Only Sakura was clueless as she smiled big and blushed.
"You're one of us now." And once more the dream ended as the light took them away…
[Dream Nine Complete.
Reward: Don't Let Family Nor Friends Define You. While the paths of all differ, and some rougher than others, none are to judge your path.
Find your nothern lights within yourself, learn from others but do not enslave yourself to their words, and seek objective truth to truly grow. This path can be hard as all who do not understand will judge you. Strengthen thyself.
Bonus Reward: The Fae and Moon Watches With Expectation]
…
…
In her fairy garden, Godmother Ella smiled as she sipped her tea. Dressed in a simple gown of blue with floral embellishments sew in and sapphires along her heels, she looked ready to attend to the queen. But on her golden hair was a worn out butterfly hairclip. A little silver thing dotted with ordinary sky blue beads. Across from her, a dragon laid down, its size shruken just enough to fit in the garden.
The dragon asks with fondness, "Ella, my dear, is my son treating you well?"
"Why, of course, Mother." She places her cup down and she touched the little clip in her hair. "How are our babies doing? Once my protege grows, we can bring them home."
The dragon's nostrils blew out a tiny wind and she fidgeted, sunlight reflected against her purple scales — the color of royalty. "They are fine, Daughter. Our dragon boy is beginning to be a fine dragon and the rest of the adorable children are beginning to learn proper dragon riding manners — the knight's son is especially skilled. That son of mine should learn from him. Where is he? He dares to stand up his own mother! Poor Ella, he doesn't deserve you."
Ella giggled. "Oh, stop it. I'm flattered, but he really is out scouting right now." She sighed over her children. "He is working hard so we can finally see the young ones again."
"This time. Last time, I found him hiding with the knights on the hillside. As if I can't smell my own blood hiding his tail among the humans — shapeshift or not, he is an idiot to underestimate me. I am old not stupid! Tell me if he wrongs you, I will burn him to a crisp!" The dragon nagged before she calmed down with a huff and switched topics. "But enough about that boy. How is your protege? Will she succeed? It has been at least five years since you could take a break with this stupid war. I miss your visits."
Only a dragon would view a war as trivial. Ella said, "I miss them, too. We wanted to visit earlier, but Jashin intruded on my territory. Luckily, my protege took care of him without my help. So I say she is doing very well. The Fae Royals are judging her now."
"The Fae Royals! Hmm, how rare. That is promising." The dragon's violet eyes gleamed as she leaned in a bit. "If the Royals are involved, shall I gift her next?"
The two queens smiled at each other warmly, but dangerously. Ella said, "Mother, I was hoping you would say that." A dragon's gift wasn't just given freely, it was earned. And a queen dragon's gift was even more difficult to attain.
Even so, she had faith in Sakura. "She may even surpass me."
The Dragon Queen chuckled. "Good." A small fire blew from her nostril, but nothing burned due to Ella's magic. "If the Fae Royals have given their gift of elixir, then she would have the ability to be granted my power. The next trial will be mine to judge as well. I will be there."
"Thank you." And with this, the Fae and Dragons would officially give their blessings. Ella couldn't wait. Her prediction was coming true. It was a boon that Sakura's own kingdom didn't recognize their loss, but it would be too late when they found out. The day she waited decades for was coming…
Was she granting Sakura's wish or was Sakura granting hers?
…
…
….
AUTHOR NOTE:
YO! EPIC NOTE FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER:
First, this had no smut but no fear! The next chap is all out fun (and kind of like a r18 filler episode to follow the great tradition of Naruto's filler episodes hahaha). Because of how long this chapter was, the next chapter will be devoted to Castle Route scenes and maybe the first step or hint into Naruto's Dream World. So the chapter numbers will be pushed back as follows:
Chapter:
10 — Castle Routes Mostly. Also will last a few "days" as Sakura gets closer to Neji and rest of company. With only 3 dreams remaining, the spell will hint at replenishing her energies and train a bit more/study as there is something great to face as her final trial. So she will be going around the Castle and you know what that means.
11 — Naruto's Dream World.
12 — Madara/Tobi's Dream World.
13— Minato's Dream World.
14/15 depending—The Finale.
Hope you don't mind! Got carried away.
On another note…If you want to know what inspired my mood — when you read Hinata's scene at the end, play pirate of the carribbean davy jone lullaby musical box version. Cry away.
Okay, sooooo I was going to add Neji sexy time in this chapter but ran out of energy and couldn't find timing so made him the closest thing you'll get to a semi-slow burn in this smutty fairy tale adventure. Wanted to emphasize the soul connection first. Don't worry Neji fans! He will have his time soon with Sakura (next chapter for sure)! I hope you forgive me. There wasn't much sexy time in this chapter, but the next chapter focused on Castle routes will be quuuuuite busy so please bear with me!
Now. Thank you to Bellababe42 for her beta reading magic! She has been truly a splendid help with smoothing things out and I am grateful! *Brings out soju* Cheers!
And as always, please review and have a fairy tale day~!
Abracadabra, Boopededoo,
WitchySkies
P.S. Keto diets are THE FUCKING CURE TO ALL WOES. Holy crap. After the 'keto flu', I have energy, my mind is clearer and my appetite shrunk. It's basically eat whatever has less than 50 net carbs for day and not so much sugar. Plus there's a substitue for everything! Bread, sweets — the whole thing can be done keto style. I WISH I HAD DONE THIS BEFOREEEEE!
That said, it's a transition as I'm working graves now so we'll see what happens in 2 months. My aunt lost so much weight and her dr told her of the diet. I am so excited!
P.S.S. Also, my stomach has stretchmarks so it looks like I have a belly button beard. I should go with 30 net carbs for the day instead LOL (Gimme summer bod pleasssse! And just more energy. Please fairy godmother?!) Anyone else got any crazy diet stories?