Shikamaru's POV
He took a deep breath of morning air and opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was a pale, thin neck that ended in a thick mane of chocolate hair, resting over his arm. Neji's body lay peacefully next to his in the cabin's floor. Shikamaru lowered his stare and admired the small shoulders leaning against his chest, moving up and down slowly with the Hyuuga's respiration. He watched his slender waist and hips, and then his dedicated but powerful legs. The boy's bottom was perfectly placed over his lap, and the sight of it sent a vibration to his crotch. He had his other hand resting over Neji's thigh, and couldn't help to stroke the soft skin with his fingers. The sweet smell of the Hyuuga's hair attracted him, and he got closer to the luscious nape. He was about to plant a hungry kiss over the soft surface when he heard a voice.
-Ham chips are good, but they can't be compared to cheese. The best about them are the leftovers that stay stuck in the fingers, where all the flavor is concentrated. On the other hand, the classic ones…
Shikamaru stopped just inches before reaching Neji's skin, and raised his head to look up. Standing right next to them, he saw a young Choji, of about nine years old, completely oblivious of the fact that he and the Hyuuga were naked, covered only by a thin sheet.
-Man, give me a break… -the Nara complained in a murmur, resting his forehead against Neji's nape.
It was just too early to start having visions. But at least, this time his head didn't hurt. Only if he paid close attention he could feel that old tingling that had previously been so annoying. Evidently, his new and strange sensei's therapy was working.
Shikamaru analyzed the possibility of ignoring Choji's prattle and concentrate back on the appetizing body in front of him. It wasn't very hard. Just the soft sound of Neji's breathing was enough to make all his senses vibrate. He gently nudged his nose against the Hyuuga's delicate neck, achieving that the older boy released a sleepy sigh between dreams. For the Nara, that was the most exciting music in the world. He was about to succumb to his impulses and kiss the sweet skin without further ado, when another voice interrupted him. This time it was his mother.
-I asked you to feed the deer. -she said. -Throwing the sack of food next to them is not feeding them. Go back outside and do it well.
Annoyed, Shikamaru looked at her out of the corner of his eye. Her presence finally discouraged him completely. There were many things he didn't care about, but he definitely couldn't concentrate on sex if his mother was there.
Exhaling with resignation, he rested his forehead on the back of Neji's neck again, and stayed there, just listening to his visions speak, and letting himself be reassured by the Hyuuga's placid breathing.
He spent about an hour and a half this way. When the number of visions reached five, he decided that it would be best to go look for Rajah to take care of them. Very carefully, he slid his arm free from its prison under Neji's neck, and slowly withdrew so as not to wake him up. Once on his feet, he spent a few seconds watching the beautiful image of the older boy resting calmly. His figure was so attractive and slender, that Shikamaru felt it was a sacrilege to get up and miss the opportunity to continue lying next to him. The Hyuuga's long hair spilled down the sheets like dark, thick rivers, and contrasted with his pale skin, making it look even whiter. The Nara thought that if angels existed, they would probably look a lot like Neji.
It took him a long time to take his eyes off the captivating image, but he finally succeeded. He only put on his pants, and left the cabin, followed by his visions.
It was early. The morning sun barely lit the tops of the trees. Shikamaru pressed his eyes with his fingers, already tired of the incessant chatter of his false companions, and walked behind the cabin, thinking of sitting on the grass to wait for Rajah to arrive. Fortunately, in the moment he set foot in the clearing, his sensei appeared at the other end, emerging from the bushes.
-Good morning! -the man greeted him. Like every day, he had a huge smile and his unmissable cigarette caught between his fingers.- How are we feeling today?
Shikamaru approached to him with a lazy step.
-Pretty good… -he answered. -Some visions have already appeared, but very few compared with other days. And my head doesn't hurt.
Rajah made a triumphant gesture.
-Means the first part of the treatment was a success. -he said. -Your mind is relaxing. And how did it go with our smoky friend?
Shikamaru remembered the latest events, and the memories of the previous night came to his mind. No doubt having smoked that thing had had favorable consequences for him: without its influence, he would never have dared to touch Neji the way he had, fearing a blow to his face as a response.
-It went great. -he replied with a side smile.
Rajah stared at him mischievously.
-Alright! -he man exclaimed. -It seems everything's going according to the plan. Today we'll begin with your mind's training. So you better have rested well, because you will have to use that brain of yours very much. First, let's clear your mind of visions, and then we'll start working.
In just a few seconds, Rajah entered the boy's mind and put each memory back in its place without any sign of effort. Once he finished, he snapped his fingers and returned him to reality. The feeling of nausea was instantaneous. As on the previous occasions, Shikamaru stumbled and fell to the ground, but this time he didn't vomit. In fact, the undulating movement of the forest felt much less violent than before. It was probably because he was beginning to get used to the sensation.
-The faster you recover, the quicker we will start. -the old man told him while watching him, standing a few meters away.
-Noted… -Shikamaru answered, as he lay on his back on the grass and clutched his head with his hands, closing his eyes.
In that moment, both heard the door of the cabin opening, and a few seconds later the figure of Neji appeared in the clearing. When he saw Shikamaru lying on the ground, his eyes widened and his whole body tensed. He fixed his gaze on Rajah and approached threateningly.
-Hey! -he shouted at the man, who was frightened by his dangerous look and backed off a few steps.
Neji moved swiftly between the old man and Shikamaru, and got into combat position, thinking that the Nara had been attacked by him.
-Stay back. -the Hyuuga warned with a menacing look.
-Wait! -Shikamaru stopped him from the ground. -It's fine, he's the man who's been training me. -Neji turned around to look at him, and didn't appeared very convinced. -I know it looks bad, but it's not like that. He's helping me. Calm down.
Doubting, the Hyuuga observed the stranger for a few moments, narrowing his eyes to study his face. Then, he looked back at Shikamaru.
-So you are okay? -he asked.
The Nara relaxed over the grass.
-Yeah, I'm fine.. -he replied with a smile.
It was amazing. Neji had literally become a dangerous wild beast the instant he thought he was in danger. That made him feel so good. It was an irrefutable proof that the older boy cared about him. Shikamaru couldn't help the affection to seep through his eyes, and at seeing it, the Hyuuga smiled as well, probably noticing how overprotective he had acted. They shared a brief moment of silence, just staring calmly at each other.
-Good morning, kid. -Rajah said, making Neji turn to face him again. He gave the boy a knowing smile. -Had a good night?
Shit. The man had just been inside his head, Shikamaru realized. He knew what had happened that last night. Not knowing what the old ninja meant, the Hyuuga stared at the younger boy, still lying on the ground, making him a mute question, but the Nara simply blushed and put on an annoyed face.
-You're Neji, aren't you?. -Rajah continued, making the Hyuuga put his attention on him again.
The way the man looked at him was so suggestive that the older boy blushed softly too. Once again, he turned to observe Shikamaru with strangeness.
-What have you told this man? -he asked in a whisper.
The Nara looked suddenly ashamed. He cleared his throat before answering:
-Nothing… But he has been in my mind. He knows everything about me.
Neji's eyes widened nervously. He stared at Rajah again, and opened his mouth to give him an explanation. But he didn't managed to pronounce any word. Instead, he just blushed again, now evidently.
Rajah laughed openly.
-That's right. -he said, moving his eyebrows up and down. -I know… But I'm not here to talk about you boys strange secret relationship. I'm here to train this slacker. So, whenever you're ready, if you could stand up, it'd be great.
Shikamaru complained with a guttural sound.
-That's gonna take a while… -he mumbled.
-It's fine, I'm not in a hurry. -the man replied, as he sat down in the grass, calmly smoking his cigarette.
Neji watched them, hesitating.
-I guess… -he said. -I should go.
Rajah stopped him with a movement of his hand.
-You don't have to. -he said. -You can stay and watch the training. I'll be good having some help if his brain explodes.
Neji frowned a little at that, probably worried.
-Is that possible? -he asked.
-Nah, it's just a way of speaking. -he man answered. -But it could get dried out, and that would be just as complicated.
Shikamaru supported himself on his elbows to look at his sensei.
-Dried out? -he questioned. -What the hell have you planned for today's training?
Rajah smiled with mystery once more.
-You'll see it soon. -he replied. -Now, get to work. If you can't even stay up, we can't start.
The Nara complained again, but started trying to sit down. Once he managed it, he made the effort to get back on his feet, but it was indeed hard. Neji saw him struggling and approached. He knelt next to the younger boy and grabbed one of his arms firmly, to slowly help him up. It took them about twenty more minutes, because Shikamaru was still very dizzy. But finally, supporting himself on Neji's shoulders, the Nara managed to stand up. He took a hand to his head, as the forest slowly stopped shaking.
-Good job! -Rajah exclaimed, looking at the Hyuuga. -We could use having your help. Makes it much easier. It'd be great if you could stay in all trainings.
-He can't. -Shikamaru answered, and stared at the older boy who was holding him by the waist. -He'll go back to the border soon, right?
-I should. -Neji responded. -But maybe I could stay for a little longer, until you feel better.
The Nara was about to reply, but Rajah did it faster.
-That'd be counterproductive. -he said. -You'll see, he's afraid of having you too close to your clan while you're in town. He'd be nervous all the time, right?
He stared at Shikamaru, who blushed softly and avoid Neji's eyes.
-I'm not afraid… -he excused himself. -But Konoha is not a safe place for him.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glance of the Hyuuga smiling at his words.
-As long as I stay away from them, I think I will be fine. -Neji said reassuringly.
Shikamaru made a sound of disagreement, but didn't insisted. Once the Nara was able to stay up by himself, the older boy retreated slowly and sat down in the grass.
-Alright. -Rajah said, standing up again. -Can we start now?
In that moment, the bushes behind Neji started moving, and Suimin's head appeared among the branches. At recognizing the Hyuuga, the deer made an affectionate sound and approached to lick his face with enthusiasm.
-Suim! -Shikamaru screamed to the animal, but Neji didn't seem to care.
-Hi! -he said to Suimin under his wet kisses, while scratching the back of his ear. -I know, I missed you too.
The deer lay in the ground behind him, and started rubbing his snout against the Hyuuga's face. Shikamaru stared at the cute way they interacted with each other, and didn't realized he was watching the scene with a tender smile. According to what he had recently learnt, he was very connected with that animal, so they probably had similar feelings towards Neji. He definitely knew he would like to rub his face against him like that too.
In that moment, Rajah cleared his throat.
-When you're done with staring at your friend with that hypnotized face, we could start with the training. -he said.
At hearing him, Neji turned his eyes towards Shikamaru. Realizing he had been caught, the Nara blushed and cleared his throat again, as he put his attention back on his sensei. He heard the Hyuuga laughing softly at his side.
-Thank you. -Rajah told his student, and then rolled up his sleeves. -First, we need a book. You have plenty of them in here, right?
Shikamaru understood he was referring to his cabin.
-Yeah. -he answered. -What kind of book?
-A big one! -the man replied. -I'll pick one.
After saying that, he crossed the clearing and disappeared behind in the corner of the cabin. The two young ninjas shared a confused look. They heard him stirring among Shikamaru's things. Short later, he came back with a very big and thick book.
-This one will do. -he said, as he approached to Shikamaru and handed him the volume.
The boy took it and read the cover: "Traditional architecture through nine centuries. Part one." He stared at his sensei, who simply walked to a tree and sat on the grass with his back against it.
-What am I supposed to do with this? -the Nara asked.
Rajah took a long whistle of his cigarette.
-Read it. -he answered after a while.
Shikamaru arched an eyebrow.
-Now? -he questioned.
The man stared at him lazily.
-Yes. It won't take you long, right? -he responded.
The Nara kept silent for a few seconds. Well, the book was really big, but he was a very fast reader. He could process almost 5000 words per minute, and he knew that because he had chek it with a chronometer. A book like that one would probably take him about an hour. And Rajah obviously knew that too. So he decided to do what he asked.
-Fine… -he answered, as he opened the book and got ready to start.
From the first word of the title he didn't stop once. He read at a steady rhythm, storing everything in his mind. After around forty five minutes, he lowered the book and stared at his sensei.
-Now what? -he asked.
Before the man could respond, Neji interrupted him. He had been watching the scene in silence, supporting his back on Suimin's body.
-Did you really read that whole book in just such little time? -he questioned.
Shikamaru stared at him, feeling a bit ashamed. He didn't like to brag about his mind. Not knowing what to say, he simply shrugged. The Hyuuga gave him a surprised look.
-Yeah, pretty impressive, right? -Rajah said from his place, and then extended his hand in Shikamaru's direction. -Now give it to me.
The boy did, and returned to stand in front of him. With his permanent relaxed attitude, Rajah crossed his legs and opened the book in the first page.
-Alright. -he said. -I hear you.
The Nara just contemplated him as if he was talking in another language.
-What? -he asked.
Rajah lifted his eyes from the book and looked at him directly in the eyes.
-What you just read. -he explained. -I want you to repeat it. And you better don't miss a word, or you'll have to start over.
Shikamaru's eyes went wide. Repeat all that? But they were like eight hundred pages! Those were really a lot of words. He shook his head, trying to communicate that it was a crazy request. But Rajah simply watched him, and smiled with the corner of his mouth.
He wasn't kidding. The training was exactly that. Repeat exactly everything you have read, without forgetting a single word. To oil his mental process. To exercise his memory. Damn old man. He was tough.
But even though the task seemed impossible, Shikamaru had the strange feeling that he could do it. He remembered perfectly everything he read in books, because what entered to his brain was saved there forever. But he had never tried to repeat anything so long. It sounded like a lot of concentration to remember each word. He had no idea of if he was capable, but his confidence in his brain, and in his sensei's knowledge of him, told him that he probably was.
After letting him digest the request for a short minute, Rajah spoke again.
-Okay! -he said, putting the tip of his index finger over the first word of the first line. -From the top!
The young Nara hesitated. He looked at Neji, who returned a lost glare. Apparently he thought a request like that one was impossible to accomplish. And it was logical to think that way. But Shikamaru's brain worked differently from other people's. He had realized about his perfect memory when he was very little. And his sensei knew about it too.
He turned his stare to Rajah again and clenched his fists. There was no other way to find out than trying. Shikamaru licked his lips and lowered his head, closing his eyes. He took a deep breathe and let it out slowly, intending to relax his body. He frowned slightly as he tried to concentrate as much as possible, and focused on recuperating the first word of the first page. After he was sure of being able to remember the first full paragraph, he opened his mouth and begun with a hoarse voice:
-"Since man is man, humanity has survived and has managed to develop thanks to its capacity for construction: this allowed humans to build dwellings, delimit their territory from that of their neighbors, and erect beautiful common spaces. Thanks to this incredible ability, societies could arise".
A strange electricity traveled through his brain. He could see the words written in old black ink impressed on the back of his closed lids, clear as water. It was like turning a machine on, and simply let it do its job. He felt his mind expanding, reaching more and more pages.
Standing in the exact same place, Shikamaru kept going for two hours. He had read the book very fast, but his mouths wasn't as quick as his eyes, so it took him much longer to recite the whole thing out loud. He opened his eyes when he was starting page three hundred seventy-six.
Rajah was still lying against the tree, following his words in the book with his index finger. He didn't looked tired or bored at all. Without stopping his speech, he turned his eyes to look at Neji. The boy had Suimin's head over one of his legs, and carased the back of the animal's head with his fingers. He met Shikamaru's stare instantly, and the Nara could feel him searching in his eyes a signal of his state. Probably the Hyuuga was wondering if all of that wasn't hurting his brain. But it wasn't. It made him feel a bit sleepy, after all that time, but at also it was somehow relaxing. Going through something he already knew always gave him that sensation of chilling relief. That was why he liked codes so much.
He blinked slowly, trying to communicate that he was okay, and then closed his eyes again, putting his hands in his pockets and lowering his head.
-"The design of the arch should take into account the human dimension diagram detailed on the previous page. The openings must correctly follow the chosen meridian line to allow air circulation".
He finished four hours later. His mouth was dry, and his brain felt like a rubber band. He had the sensation of having stretched it. Opening his eyes, Shikamaru stared at his sensei, who confirmed the last word had been correct, as all the previous ones. The man raised his head and gave him a happy smile.
-Congratulations. -he said firmly. -You didn't missed a single letter.
The Nara let out a deep breathe and changed his weight to his other leg. He felt so tired now.
-Your mind is privileged, kid. I tell you. -Rajah affirmed as he stood up and tossed the book in the grass. -This you have just done, no one I had ever met can do it. If you exercise like this, you won't only have the storing capacity, you'll be able to recuperate detailed things as fast as a computer. All people would envy that.
Shikamaru watched him in silence. To have the fastest mind in the world sounded like something ridiculous for someone so regular like him. He didn't wanted fame or high positions or anything of that. But such a great capacity could help him to pursue his real interests.
Not realizing it, he turned his head to look at Neji. The Hyuuga was calmly resting against Suimin's soft fur. He had fallen asleep, probably long ago. Shikamaru had always thought he didn't have many wishes in life, but recently he had discovered one very concrete: to keep Neji alive. If he had a supernatural intelligence, he could use it to assure that.
After a long minute, he looked back at his sensei.
-You have never explained me why did my mind suddenly went to hell. -he said.
Rajah returned his stare.
-Why do you think? -he asked.
Shikamaru frowned, not following. At this, the man pointed at Neji with his eyes, and went back to look at him.
The Nara moved his head back, confused.
-What? -he questioned.
Rajah took a step closer, and answered in a murmur as to not to wake Neji up.
-In the last year, you've been filling your mind with tons and tons of information, in your desperate research to find out more about the Hyuuga clan. If you spend all nights reading and investigating and strategizing, having practically no sleep, your brain collapses. It can't process all that new data so fast, so all the structures crumble, and some scenes of your memory get filtered. You overloaded yourself.
Shikamaru watched the man pressing his lips. He appreciated that he was whispering. That meant that even if he talked about their unusual relationship in front of them, we wasn't going to tell him out with Neji. If the Hyuuga ever found out that he was digging in his family's history he could get really mad. The young Nara wanted to answer something, but didn't know what. He had torn his own mind because of his feelings for Neji, and that was hard to face.
-Look, you can read it like this: you are obsessed with this issue. -Rajah continued. -You are obsessed with the Hyuuga clan and with the need to keep that boy safe. As the only adult aware of your crazy plans, I should tell you to stop. But after seeing what you know, and because of previous experiences with them, I really dislike that clan too. I must warn you, though, that they are very dangerous, and extremely powerful. I know you already know this, but you are too confident on your own skills. You must never underestimated them.
Shikamaru opened his mouth in astonishment. Was that man really telling him that he supported his ideas? He never expected to hear that from anyone, less from an adult shinobi.
-So you're not selling me off? -he asked, not hiding his surprise.
Rajah smiled with complicity and gave him a soft slap on the shoulder.
-Nah. -he answered. -You have good intentions. And those people are evil. -he turned his eyes to Neji again. -Besides, I like that kid. It would be sad is something happened to him. But if things go wrong and someone asks you, you don't know me.
Shikamaru let out a soft laugh at his sensei preoccupation for his own ass. Ending with the conversation, Rajah made a loud clap with his hands.
-Good job, then! -he exclaimed in a high volume, making Neji and Suimin wake up. -That's all for today. You need to give your mind a little break to recover. A lot of concentration requires a lot of energy. You must be tired.
-I definitely am. -the Nara answered honestly, and caught the movement of Neji standing up.
-Did you really recitated that whole book? -he asked, rubbing his eyes with his fists as he came back from his dreams.
-He did! -Rajah responded thriumply, and then straighten up to give indications: -Now, a very important thing in this training it to sleep. I want you to sleep, at least, seven hours a day. Without exception. You need that to be at your highest capacity. Asuma wasn't wrong when he said why you slept so much: your brain works too fast, making complex connections in very short time, and that takes all your energy. So, kid! -he screamed, pointing at Neji. -See that he sleeps!
The Hyuuga shrinked his head between his shoulders, surprised by the order.
-Okay… -he answered, doubting.
-Also, as a little exercise, just after waking up every morning, try to remember your dreams. -the man continued.-It'll put your brain to work earlier and it'll function even better later. Finally, I suggest you to take another little dose of this wonderful marvel… -he said lifting his cigarette. -That will keep the visions away. In the course of this training, when your mind gets stronger and regains its structure, you will no longer need it. But right now, it will also help you to sleep like a baby.
Shikamaru shrugged.
-Sleep sound like a nice therapy for me… -he answered.
-That's the attitude. -Rajah responded. -Then I'll leave now. Rest, and relax that mind. We'll make it work a lot more tomorrow.
After saying this, he waved a hand in the air at him, and then inclined his head to Neji. A second later, he dived into the thick vegetation of the Nara forest and disappeared.
Shikamaru turned to the Hyuuga and the boy met his stare. The training had lasted many hours, and the sun light was close to disappear completely.
-How are you feeling? -Neji asked, walking towards him.
-A bit sleepy, but okay. -he answered. -It was pretty psychedelic in my head.
-I must admit that I'm very impressed. -the Hyuuga added. -I didn't know such a thing was possible for a person.
Shikamaru clicked his tongue, as if it wasn't that amazing at all.
-Yeah well… -he said. -My mind is weird.
A short silence came netx, until a sound caught their attention, and they both turned in Suimmin's direction. The animal was struggling to eat a fruit from a tree without getting up. Shikamaru smiled at realizing that they were just lazy.
-So now what? -Neji asked, looking at him again.
The Nara thought for a few seconds.
-I guess I'll smoke a bit of that thing again, and then go to sleep. -he answered. -You can accompany me, if you want.
The Hyuuga smiled at the offer.
-I will make you company, but I pass on the smoking. -he said. -I am okay with just one try.
Shikamaru laughed softly and nodded.
-Deal. -he responded, and then turned to the cabin to go find the other cigarettes Rajah had give him.
He came back short later with one of them and a lighter. He barely noticed that he was still wearing only his pants, but at being with Neji he didn't felt uncomfortable at all. Both ninjas sat down over the grass, and Suimin immediately stood up and went to lay with them.
-It was a little awkward that your sensei knew about… -Neji said before Shikamaru lit the cigarette. -You know.
-Yeah… -he answered, lowering his head a bit. -Sorry about that. I couldn't help it, he knows everything about me with just touching my head.
Neji nooded comprehensively.
-It is okay. -he replied.
Shikamaru smiled at him, and lifted his hand to lit the cigarette. He smoked calmly, just enjoying the soft murmur of the forest. He thought he was going to feel even more sleepy, but instead, he sensed his mind getting clearer.
-It is strange that part of your training is to just sit down and get high. -Neji commented after a little while.
That gave the Nara an idea.
-We don't have to stay here. -he said. -Wanna see something cool?
Neji frowned sightly with suspicion.
-What? -he asked.
-One of the Nara Forest special places. -Shikamaru replied. -We'd have to walk for a little while, but I'd be worth it.
The Hyuuga meditated for a second, but finally answered.
-Alright.
They both stood up, and Suimin stared at them with curiosity.
-Wait. -Shikamaru said, suddenly realizing something. -The residential zone of the forest is in the middle of the way. I don't want to pass through and have people asking me how I am.
-So we don't go? -Neji questioned.
The Nara denied with his head.
-Nah, we'll just take another route. -he answered.
After those words, he turned around and headed to the cabin. Neji followed him in silence. Once inside the small construction, he stirred over the disorder of documents and objects.
-First we need one thing… -he said, looking around.
Finally, he found it. A tiny transparent bag tied with a purple ribbon. Inside it had a little amount of a dark red granulated.
-Here! I have it. -he exclaimed, and turned to Neji.
-What is that? -the Hyuuga asked, staring at the bag.
Shikamaru smiled mysteriously, getting excited.
-You'll see. -Then, he made sure of having his lighter in his left pocket, and concentrated on Neji again. -All right. This way.
After saying those words, he walked to the center of the cabin and knelt down on the floor. He placed his hands over the wood and searched for cracks in the surface. In short seconds he found them, only because he knew where they were, because they were practically impossible to see. Sticking the tip of his fingers in the cracks, he separated a segment of the floor and pulled it up like the top of a box. He let the big square at a side and looked down. Behind the false section of floor, there was a dark hole. The bottom remained hidden by the lack of light.
-What tha… -he heard Neji saying, so he lifted his head to look at him.
The boy had his eyes and mouth wide open. It surely was strange for him to know that that thing had been there all the time and he had never noticed it.
-What is that? -he asked, not hiding a smile of astonishment.
Shikamaru gave him an entertained grin.
-Come and find out. -he answered. -Follow me.
He sat in the edge of the pit and searched with his feet the stair digged on the earth. Then, he went down the hole, until he touched ground. Expecting that Neji would come behind him, he moved to give him space. And after just seconds the Hyuuga was there, standing next to him. There was absolutely no light, but he could hear and feel Neji in the darkness.
-Umm… -the older ninja asked a little while later. -Where are we?
Shikamaru took his lighter from out of his pocket and approached to the wall that, he knew, was ahead. He searched with his hand until he found a thin cold iron rail nailed to the wall. He kept searching until he found a small wick. Then he held his lighter up and lit it.
With magical synchrony, countless lights began to appear along a deep tunnel, like dominoes. Each of the walls had a rail that contained water, and candles interspersed at a certain distance. Neji looked back and forth, seeing that the tunnel went both ways.
-What is this place? -he questioned, bedazzled and shocked. Indeed, the tunnel appeared to be infinite.
Shikamaru laughed at the Hyuuga's expression.
-This is the forest underground. -he explained. -My clan discovered long ago that some parts of the ground had natural caverns, and they decided to take advantage of them, making tunnels and joining them, without damaging a single tree, of course. These channels can take you anywhere in the forest.
Neji was amazed. He kept looking around, admiring the thick roots that formed the roof and went down the walls.
-I thought Naras were lazy. -he commented after a minute.
Shikamaru let out a soft laugh.
-We are. -he answered. -But we like having hiding places.
They started walking through the tunnels. They reached many divisions and passed by several big caverns, which were used to store uncountable things, from medicines, to weapons and food for the deer.
-This place is unbelievable. -Neji said while they marched slowly. -There is always a new thing to learn about it.
-Yeah, it's full of secrets. -the Nara answered, and remembered what Rajah had told him about the Natural Energy. -I'm still discovering them too.
-For how long has your clan been in this forest? -the older ninja questioned.
-Centuries. -Shikamaru replied. -They were here before Konoha was formed. They simply accepted to join their territory when the first Hokage asked them.
The two boys kept talking quietly as they walked. About half and hour later, the Nara stopped.
-Here. -he said, stepping in front of another stair digged in the wall.
He blew one of the tiny lights, and all the rest started to turn off, one by one. They were surrounded by darkness again. Shikamaru climbed the ladder until he came out to the forest from under a huge tree. Neji did the same seconds after. The sky was already dark, and the only light came from the stars and the half Moon.
-Come with me. -the Nara murmured to Neji.
He started walking on a determined direction, knowing exactly where to put his feet. Suddenly the vegetation stopped, and a big clear lake appeared in front of them. The Hyuuga admired the view.
-This is beautiful. -he said.
Shikamaru walked to the beginning of the water.
-You still hadn't seen the best part. -he replied, taking the small bag from his pocket.
After opening it, he took a handful of its content and then spread it ahead, making it fall over the lake. Just five seconds later, the waters illuminated. Dozens of bright purple lights sparkled in the deeps. Neji walked to his side and stared at the wonderful sight. Shikamaru saw his eyes reflecting the purple spots of light.
In only instants, the surface of the water was filled with jellyfish of different sizes that came to eat what the Nara had thrown at them. Their bodies emitted that spectacular light. Neji stared at the creatures, fascinated.
-Are those jellyfish? -he asked, and Shikamaru nodded. -This is amazing.
-And it's not over yet. -the younger boy answered. -Just give it a few more seconds.
Half a minute after, like the Nara had predicted, something else changed. The fungus that covered the trees slowly started to shine too, until it reached a bright pale pink. Neji watched the scene with wide eyes.
-What is that? -he questioned.
-Glowing pink fungus. -Shikamaru responded. -When the jellyfish come up to eat, a chemical reaction in their bodies make them shine like that. The light they radiate it's great for the fungus development, so when they start to glow, it activates its receptors, and another chemical reaction makes it shine too.
Neji stared at the wonderful colours, and Shikamaru let himself admire his lovely face illuminated by that magic purple light.
-This is so beautiful. -he said after a while, and turned to look at the Nara with a grateful smile. -Thank you for showing me this.
Shikamaru smiled as well.
-Thank you for coming. -he answered.
They sat in the grass, just admiring the water and trees glow.
-I used to come here with my father. -Shikamaru commenten, not really knowing why. He wasn't the kind of person who talked about his life with others. -I loved it.
-I see why. -Neji replied. -It is precious. I would change this sight for the Bakugan without doubting.
Shikamaru raised his eyebrows at that, though the Hyuuga didn't notice. The younger boy's brain bristled. That sounded like an opportunity to ask something he had been wondering about before his breakdown. He had to choose his words very well, as to not to raise any suspicion. Trying to look casual, he lay back and supported his body on his elbows.
-How is it to see with the Bakugan? -he asked.
Neji shrugged.
-Well, you can see at three hundred and sixty degrees, and very far. -he answered, as if it was an obviousness.
Shikamaru let out a relaxed laugh.
-I know that… -he said. -I mean, you see things in the regular way, or everything is of one same color or something like that?
The Hyuuga meditated the question, and then replied:
-Well, not of the same color. It has shadows and different degrees, but everything is dyed with a bright white.
That was interesting. Shikamaru took note of it in his head, and then changed the question as to not look too interested.
-And when you zoom it, don't you get dizzy? -he asked.
Neji laughed softly.
-The first times you activate it, yes, a little. -he answered. -But then you get used to it.
The conversation flowed quietly. Everytime the jellyfish light began to fade, Shikamaru took another handful of its food and threw it to them, making the glowing start again.
-So your mind is better now? -Neji asked at some point.
-Yeah. -the Nara answered. -I think I'm recovering.
-And do you know why did it suddenly happened? -the older boy continued.
Yes, Shikamaru knew that. Rajah had told it to him that same day. But he simply couldn't confess that yet. In one hand, it will ruin his plans and make Neji very angry. On the other, he felt extremely embarrassed about it.
-No.. -he lied, trying to make it sound credible. -It was something about my memory. It got overloaded or something. -At least that was true.
Neji nodded, understanding.
-So your problem was that you store too many memories? -he questioned. -You should let some out.
Shikamaru exhaled a lazy laugh.
-Yeah, I should. -he replied. -But it's automatic. My brain does it alone.
The Hyuuga turned his head to look into the calm glowing water. A sudden expression of affection appeared in his face. After a deep breathe, he began to recite:
-Inochi wa toki no naka o, nagare nagare te, tokoshi e no kioku o, futae no rasen ni tsumugi yuku.
Shikamaru remained in silence for a few seconds. Those were very pretty words, and hearing Neji's voice pronouncing them with such emotion made his heart tremble.
-That was deep. -he said finally. -What is it?
Neji smiled and closed his eyes, apparently moved by his memories.
-It is from a song my mother used to sing to me. -he answered. -I don't remember it completely, but I know it was very beautiful.
Shikamaru smiled as well. Just as he had told Neji something about his past with his father, which was a very personal and intimate memorie for him, the older ninja was sharing a really personal story about himself with him. The Nara couldn't believe how close that made him feel to the boy. He had to admit that Neji was slowly becoming the person who knew him the most. Could he become the same to him? That idea gave him a strange and unfamiliar feeling of hope.
-Your mother sound like an amazing woman. -Shikamaru said, looking at Neji as the boy opened his eyes again.
-She was. -he affirmed softly. -I have very few memories about her, so the ones I have are very precious to me.
Shikamaru felt his heart aching with sadness. Poor creature. Neji had lost both his father and his mother, being very young, and he had to settle with only the few memories he still had. And that wasn't the worst part. He was condemned to serve to his clan, and to die at any moment, according to their will. That was just unbearable. Shikamaru thought he would give anything to be able to change Neji's life and erase that sorrow.
-What's the name of the song? -he asked after a while, intending to make that sensation fade.
The Hyuuga denied with his head slowly.
-I don't remember. -he answered, and then added with a smile. -I wish I had that incredible memory of yours.
Shikamaru laughed with a soft exhalation.
-It would knock you out like it did to me. -he said. -Believe me, you don't want it.
Neji giggled softly.
-If you say so. -he replied. Then, he lay down next to the Nara, supporting himself in one of his elbows. -Hey, won't your mother be worried about you? She hasn't seen you since yesterday.
Shikamaru opened his eyes wide.
-Fuck. -he answered, and closed his lids, frowning with frustration. -I totally forgot about her. Shit, she's going to yell at me.
Neji laughed again.
-You deserve it for not letting her know that you are okay. -he said. -I think it will be better for you to spend this night at home. She will feel relieved, and you will sleep better than on the cabin's floor. Your sensei said you needed to rest well.
Shikamaru made a sound of complain, and answered without opening his eyes.
-I sleep better with you, wherever I am. -he responded, not realizing what he was saying. He took a few minutes to understand what he had just confessed.
-Aaw… -he heard Neji saying, and opened his eyes to look at him.
The Hyuuga was staring at him with a amused but tender smile. Shikamaru felt like an idiot and blushed violently.
-I… I mean… -he stuttered nervously. But Neji's smile only got wider at his reaction. He felt his cheeks burning. -That's not what I wanted to say.
-Really? -the Hyuuga asked, entertained.
Shikamaru coughed awkwardly.
-Yeah, I didn't came out right. -he tried to excuse himself.
-Sure. -Neji said. - Who would have thought that Nara Shikamaru was romantic?
That made him blush even more, if it was possible. He clicked his tongue and turned his face away.
-Shut up. -he begged.
Neji laughed openly, and then did something he didn't expected: he leaned closer, and gave him a kiss in the cheek. The contact made a warm wave spread along the Nara's body.
-Let's go. -the older boy said as he stood up. -Your mother must be waiting for you to appear.
-Damn… -Shikamaru complained, slowly getting on his feet too. -Did she hired you to make me go home?
The Hyuuga giggled once more. Despite of the sudden memory about his mother from a few minutes ago, he seemed to be in a very good humor. The two boys walked slowly through the forest, having no need to use the tunnels again. It was almost midnight, and it was very unlikely that they could run into someone.
They stopped when they reached Shikamaru's house.
-Thank you for keeping me company. -the Nara said, staring at Neji. -And for forcing me to be a good son.
The Hyuuga returned a soft smile.
-You are welcome. -he answered. -Thank you for taking me to one of the Nara Forest special places.
Shikamaru was about to respond with a joke, when the house door opened violently behind him.
-You better have a good explanation. -his mother's voice said in a deadly tone.
Shit. He was in trouble. His whole body told him to run away, but instead, he prepared himself and turned around slowly.
-Hi, mom… -he simply murmured.
The woman crossed her arms and penetrated his eyes with hers.
-A whole day and a night without coming back home, after week of being seriously sick? Really? -she questioned, red with anger. -You didn't thought I could be worried? You could at least pass by just to say you were fine, but…
Shikamaru thought she would keep going for hours, but in that moment, she saw Neji standing behind her son. Her expression changed suddenly, and a big smile appeared in her face.
-Oh, hi, sweetheart. -she greeted.
Shikamaru arched an eyebrow, not understanding why his mother seem to be so extremely happy of seeing the Hyuuga. Neji must have thought the same, because he hesitated before answering with a respectful bow:
-Hello, Nara-sama.
-Nara-sama is my husband. -the woman commented. -You can call me Yoshino, dear.
Neji smiled at those words.
-I'm sorry, mom. -Shikamaru excused himself. -I forgot. But I'm fine, you see?
Yoshino's stare went cool again as it focused on him one more, but she seem way less angry.
-You better don't do it again. -she simply responded. -Did you eat?
The boy denied with his head.
-You're lucky I'm still up. I should make you go to bed hungry. -his mother continued. -Come in, I'll make you something. -Then, her expression turned soft again as she addressed to the Hyuuga. -Would you like to stay to eat, sweetie? I can make you something too.
-Thank you, Yoshino-sama. -Neji said politely. -But I should return home. My uncle must be worried too.
The woman nodded with her head.
-That is very responsible of you. -she flattered him. -Alright, I'll go cook. Goodbye, dear. And you, don't take too long. I want you inside in two minutes.
After saying that, she disappeared behind the door. Shikamaru turned to the Hyuuga again.
-Troublesome woman… -he whispered. -Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow.
Neji gave him another smile, which the Nara returned softly.
-Yes. -he older boy agreed. -Rest well.
-You too. -Shikamaru answered, and then he watched the Hyuuga take the road to his house, fading among the trees.
Putting his hands in his pockets, he entered the house, wondering if his mother would make any comment about his lack of shirt and shoes. But it didn't happen. She was in the kitchen, preparing something for her son. Shikamaru sat on a chair in front of the table and waited in silence.
-I'm glad you are friends with that boy. -Yoshino commented. -He's very kind and sweet.
-Yeah… -the Nara answered, distractly. -Mom, could you tell me something about Neji's mother?
The woman turned to look at him from over her shoulder.
-What do you want to know? -she asked.
The boy meditated for a few seconds.
-How she died. -he finally responded. -How did it happened?
Yoshino's eyes suddenly reflected an obvious sadness. She dried her hands with a towel and leaned her back against the kitchen.
-Well, it was very sudden. -she told him. -She went sick from one day to the other, and it was very strange, because she had a great health. She began to deteriorate, and in about four weeks she left us. It was very sad.
Shikamaru analyzed her words. That sounded very weird and unusual.
-What did she have? -he questioned.
-The doctors said it was a virus. -his mother explained. -But they could never precise exactly what it was, or how she got it.
The young Nara stared at the floor, and said nothing else. It was a very big coincidence that both Neji's parents had died. And he knew it was very opportune for the Main House to have orphans among the Branch House, to be able to handle them without objection. Something smelled very bad in all that.
Yoshino must have noticed his wondering expression, because she got closer to caress her son on the head.
-You're very nice for getting close to him. -she told him. -I'm sure he feels less alone now.
Shikamaru didn't answered. He simply couldn't stop thinking about the Branch House. If most Branch House members were orphans because their parents were branched too, then what happened to those Hyuugas who had married someone from outside the clan? Like Neji's father. That sounded like a matter of concern for the Main House. The young Nara felt the uncontrollable need to learn more about it.
After eating, he went to bed. Lying on his back, he stared at the ceiling, remembering Rajah's explanation about his breakdown. The initial problem had started because of his tireless search about the Hyuuga clan. That had completely broke his brain. So he could interpret that in two ways: the first one was that it was a signal that he should stop, and forget about the whole issue, in order to keep his mind healthy. The second one was that he had to work harder in his mind and make it stronger, to be able to use it in his investigation, to finally find a solution to Neji's situation. He didn't need much reflection to know that he would most probably choose this last way.
After half an hour, he finally fall asleep, with this thoughts still spinning in his head.
Hi to all!
I'm so so so sorry for the delay. I've been very busy with work lately, and my parents came to visit me, so I didn't have much time to write.
I want to apologize to all of you for the previous chapter. After a very kind reader warned me about some writing errors, I started checking it, and I found so many mistakes that I felt terrible. I think I was so eager to share the new chapter with you that I just messed it up. From now on, I'll take more time to check my writing on every chapter. I'll take me a little longer to post, but at least there won't be so many mistakes.
In other issues, I found the way of creating series in this site, so now the whole saga will appear under the title "A race to save you". I don't know how many parts it'll have yet, but there will be many.
Here I let you the translation of Neji's verse from his mother's song. It is a real song, called "The spinning song". You can check it out, it's very beautiful.
In the short time we have to play out our lives
we get swept off our feet by the calm,
remaining with the memories we'll always have,
spinning them into two spirals and then they fade away…
Well, that was all for today. I'll try to post more frequently, and without so many errors. Sorry if this chapter is a bit shorter than the others. I just didn't wanted to keep delaying.
Till next chapter!