"... This world is truly magnificent."your eyes stare in awe at the majestic land that beheld before you. The wide open of nature was nothing you could ever see back at home. It took your breath away, the clear sky added more to it, it seems like something out of a painting or drawing. The cool, warm gentle breeze blew through your hair, caressing you. This world truly was one to be treasured no doubt, it seems untouched, untainted by anything.

It was so innocent, so pure. You could stand on top of the cliff forever to look over the land, but you didn't have that luxury to do that. Remembering why you left, and your own personal mission. The amount of time you had, to hopefully no one noticed your departure and if they had not, then you would lucky enough to return in a timely matter. Thinking of what you tracked down on the map, to your destination, there were still a ways to go.

Adjusting the strap of your pack, you give the scenery one last look before you rush off.

Hinata double checks she has everything, that she needed and she did. Remembering the map back in May's place, she was able to memorize it and wrote it down. She had to get to her, afraid that she might get in trouble for leaving the village without any clearance. After checking that no one had seen May, and Neji neither, she was well aware he went after May. The same thing she was going to do right now.

She just hoped and prayed that nothing harmful happen to May, from what Hinata gathered, it seems that May didn't really know her way around this place. Which could mean that she easily gets lost, despite the fact May seem to have an acute memory, she felt it wasn't enough. Memory was one thing, but she was not aware of the dangers that beheld her.

With everything ready, Hinata leaves her family's compound. Hurrying her way to the front of the village, running through others dodging them with ease. She didn't understand why May, went off on her, she wished May would tell her what it was that was driving her this hard to accomplish a tasked on her own. Everything before that had been happening, from this unseen source that seem to be haunting May greatly. May would confide in her, like she did with feeling bad that Gaara was always offering a hand to help her. Take care of her, or in May's sense offering so much kindness that, was not sure if she would be able to repay him back.

Hinata knew, May felt guilty for all of it. Wishing, even if she didn't say that she could do for herself. Even with the many times Hinata assured her that, Gaara was doing it because he was just trying help and was well aware he did not see her a burden. She knew, a part of May didn't seem to see it like that. Even though, May was one of the kindest and brightest person, Hinata has ever met. She seems to overthink things too much, not really, see the actual reasoning behind it, her mind seem to process in a much different way. A logic way.

Looking up ahead, seeing the gate there was very little going in and out. The guards sat there, keeping track of anyone who came in or offering assistance should they need. She starts to slow down, transferring into a casual pace, staying calm, the best she could. Not wanting to give away her anxiety within her. Putting on a casual, friendly smile, she starts to walk quietly as she could pass the guards, who were in a chat with someone.

Holding her breath, just a few more feet and she could sprint off. They hadn't noticed her yet, keeping her eyes straight ahead and focused. Each step felt like a mile. Her eyes slide over to the guards at the booth, and quickly slide back. Being quiet and shy was starting to pay off, just a few more steps and she would be free. This was going well, she smiles to herself.

"Hey, where are you going?"

Dang. They spotted her, Hinata freezes sweating bullets now. What was she supposed to say now? What could she say now? They where bond asks if she had a mission or where she was going.

She wasn't a good at lying, feeling her smile start to drop, hearing their footsteps start to approach her. Repeating the same question again, since she didn't give them an answer. Swallowing hard, what she is going to do? Shutting her eyes tight, a hand reaches out resting upon her shoulder, startling the poor kounichi.

You needed a rest, a really good one at that. Not to mention something refreshing would be nice too. Lucky for you, you managed to come across a nice river squatting down by the bank, scooping up the cool clear water in your hands splashing it upon your face. Ah, it felt so good upon your skin. It started to tingle from the sensation of it. Bring a smile to your face, scooping up a few more times doing the same thing.

Back home, you couldn't get anything like this at all. Everything around you was quiet, peaceful and nice. Not a thing seems out of place, everything seems just right. Scooping some more water, this time to drink. Bring your cupped hands to tip of your lip, getting ready to drink. When heard something rustle in the bushes. Stopping, you turn and look around to see no one at all. Surely, you were the only one here. Recalling from your memory, from this area you were currently in. There shouldn't be anyone for some time, about at least an hour and half or two from here would be a small little town.

Other than that, no one should be around these parks.

Double checking, making sure no one was around. You proceed back to enjoying your drink contently. Just as three figures drop behind you. Your eyes shoot open, sensing their presence, but it was too late one of them roughly grabs you by the hair tightly. Yanking you upward, before a yelp could come out of your mouth someone covers it with a cloth, and before you knew it. Your vision became hazy, dazed, then everything went black.

The sun was beginning to set low, Neji knew he had covered enough ground now. He knew, from remembering what was on the map, that he had to have closed the gap by now between himself and May. The Hyuga comes to a halt, remaining quiet and keeping his guard up. This area on the map, was notoriously known for its ambushes. Many who came this way, had to always be on guard and alert. Because just about anyone could come out and attack. Those in these parts were very well skilled in stealth, a perfect place to catch someone off guard because it was so serene here.

No one would really think twice about being attacked, unless they knew the land very well. Which he did, having taken a couple of missions these ways, only jonin and very highly trained Chunins where allowed this route. Though he was aware of May's capabilities from what he had seen, she didn't seem like the type who would keep her guard up very much.

No, she could get easily distracted if something caught her attention or made her drop her guard. A trait, that was not very good in the world of a shinobi, not mention her nativity which was the result of, the innocence that reflected off her. Making her an easy target for many. Sighing, he just hoped she didn't stop here. Then again...the wonder she cared in eyes made him rethink that. There was a very high possibility she stopped here.

Looking around, activating his eyes to give him an edge if anyone tried to come out and ambush him. Getting a full view, he notices something by the river up ahead. Quickly he makes haste there, reaching it in just a matter of seconds. Bending down, he picks up a side sack, one that was too familiar. One he knew very well. Studying the sack, looking a bit closer, noticing a certain Sunagakure emblem upon it.

No doubt it was May's. Looking around, there was no one in sight. Everything remained still and quiet, even the wind. Yet, it still felt uneasy to him. Keeping his senses alert, someone drops behind him ready to attack. But Neji was quicker, striking his attacker using his Gentle Fist which was enough to subdue them.

The attacker slams down to the ground, holding the spot where Neji landed his blow. Pain twisted on their face, pushing that aside ,they move reaching for their kunai that laid a few inches away from them. Feeling an imposing shadow cast over them, fear froze their movements except their eyes that looked to Neji who looks down at the scum. His eyes burn tightly upon the attacker.

He holds up the sack."Where is the girl, you took?"

Slowly, you start to come to. Whatever drug that was used to knock you out, did not last. Everything was hazy and distorted, your head felt a bit heavy and your body felt limp. But you could feel the effects starting to wear off, along with what sounded like muffled roguish voices. That where laughing and cackling, there came a deep cough.

It was hard for you to make out their words, but one thing you for sure. First, you were on the floor, and second in some sort of cabin or small house, because the light being used was surely dim. Though, with just enough light. Feeling your arms and legs bounded, it was tight but not enough for you. Carefully, you start to break the bounds, from the rope. Hearing it slowly starting to break, focusing on that, but at the same time making sure to listen carefully to your kidnappers.

Twisting and wiggling the best you could, this drug in your system was still lingering. Squirming as silent as you could, summon up some of your energy keeping it as dim as you could to heat up the ropes. When, you hear something that sounded like a chair falling and one of the men standing up an alert. Not caring what that was about, you had to get out. Feeling yourself becoming free, all of that changed when a bright explosion went off blinding everyone in the cabin. Taking the men off guard from this sudden attack. Hearing chairs and a table fall to the ground, running footsteps and alarming voices screaming.

This was just what you needed, almost out when someone or something comes quick and scoops you up. Assuming it was one of the kidnappers who remembered you, made you want to get out much faster. Expanding your arms, breaking the rope with your arms free. Balling up a fist, weakly you throw the punch at your assailant. Who saw your attack coming straight at them.

"May!"you hear Neji voice, realizing who it was. You stop your attack on him, the Hyuga ran with you in his arms, giving distance between the men and the two of you, going the straight ahead. Knowing that it was idiotic to go back in that direction. Still affected by the drug in your system, and the fact you were tired started to take its toll. Neji could see your eyes becoming heavy, no doubt your sleepless nights were starting to catch up with you.

Your eyelids started to drop, along with your head even if you tried to force your eyes to stay awake and your head to stay up and alert. Neji feeling he put enough distance between, he slowly comes to a stop. The night took the sky now, coming to a simple spot he sits you down. Looking over his shoulder activating his eyes double checking that he was not followed.

And, he was not a sigh of relief comes to him. Deactivating his eyes, he turns back to you finding you had left, spot he placed you at. Keeping himself calm, he quickly looks around for a second seeing you had not actually gotten far. Slowly, you had started walking again away, from which he came.

"May."you hear him calling to you, you don't want to be rude stopped and let him catch up. He stands a few inches behind you."You're in no condition to keep going. Not to mention you did not get authorization from the Hokage to leave the village, come, let's head so you can get a proper rest."he extends his arm the way in that he came with you.

Understanding his concerns, you muster up as much energy that you could and smile."I am fine."you lie."Please, there was no need to come after me. But, thank you, Neji for coming to my aid."Bowing to the young man."That was very kind of you. But, I must keep going there is information that I have heard. As part of Miss Tsunade's team, I must do all I can. Excuse me."

With those words you, continue to walk hurrying up your steps even as they dragged on the ground. Neji wasn't stupid, he saw through your words easily and your answer was simple. No.

You did where not going to go back with him, and would continue to keep going despite your lack of energy. What a stubborn person you seem to be, though he was sure you did not realize it. He had to get you back to the village, because there was a high chance someone else figured out you were not there and if word reached Tsunade, then it would reach Gaara which he knew would not really end well. Seeing how back when you informed the Kazekage of coming to Konohagakure, he was no the least bit pleased by. Trying to find any sort of way for you to reconsider your choice.

But nothing seems to work, you went away claiming you were completely fine and all was well. Just like now, but it was clearly seen you were not from what Ino and Sakura have told him and a bit of Hianta as well Lee expressing his deep concerns over your well being. Caused him to worry as well, so he had come to see with his own eyes today and luckily he did. When he saw you talking with Kakashi, the way you looked even with your smile. It was a heavy tired smile, one that could easily hit the ground, your eyes looked like a ton of weight was on them not to mention the bags, those dark circles that formed under your eyes as if someone had hit you there. That vibrant energy that he and others were so use to seeing around, was not so vibrant. It was the exact opposite, even if you projected that it was there.

It was dimming greatly, he had to admit that it amazed him how well you kept it up. Still, it was unhealthy. Why didn't anyone say anything or put their foot down?

What was making you push yourself this hard? Sure, both village's were on good terms with one another, but this was far beyond. There was something, he wasn't sure what it was, thinking back to what Tenten said about your family. Back in the Hot Spring, he wonders if it was because of that? Then again, there seems to be some sort of guilt that hung over you, thinking back in Sunagakure when he and the others came to your place, who you looked. A dark burden came to you, even with your words to Gaara explaining to the Kazekage why you must help Tsunade.

Your words tighten with guilt, even if they came out harmless and righteously. What the guilt was for, he didn't know. But it was weighing heavily on you, and someone seems to know. That night at Dango Shop, with Naruto. The blonde, he saw him how he looked like he knew something about May, about you. He knew the reason, and seem like Gaara did as well. Both of them had that same look in their eyes, though Naruto seems to show it more.

Sighing to himself, he looks at you sternly. You were still walking and staggering using the nearby trees and medium size boulders as support. Watching you, it reminded him of a certain someone...Hinata. But, in a much different way. What compelled him to this next, he still wouldn't understand it till later.

As you walked/staggered in the direction you needed to go. Every part of you was hurting, but you kept going anyway shaking your head to keep yourself away. Pushing off to the next tree, your hand lands on it, when it slips up making you fall forward. Losing your balance, your relaxes where not as fast like they should be.

The ground was coming faster than your hand was to catch yourself. Something yanks you back, up scooping you up off the ground. Your feet no longer touching it, everything felt light. Feeling arms holding you, looking up you find Neji looking straight ahead.

"...Neji?"

"If you will not listen to words."he looks down at you."Then, I shall accompany you. I am a jonin after all and you a genin."

Lifting his eyes away from you, looking straight ahead, making you do the same."From my memory, there should be a town up ahead. A small one."

"Yes, I well aware of it."he makes sure you secure and instead of running off, he walks towards the direction of the town.