Time such a mysterious concept in life, it never stops and keep moving forward despite everything that can happen. Whether good or bad. When it's something good, time for some reason speeds up making everything seem like a blur and before you know it, the day is done. The joyful memories and times remain and linger, hearts wishing for times like that to never end. And eagerly wait for them happen again, compared to something bad. Time seem becomes the enemy. The pain one receives during their horrible time just drags on and on. Never seeming to end. One feels they are thrown in a cycle of misfortune, nothing can save them. They wait wondering when it will, if it will ever end. Life becomes a struggle for it, whether to give up or not. There seems to be no light at the end of tunnel, none at all. Chasing nothing but an absent dream. The scars remain and seem to never heal. Stuck. Just stuck. Giving up seems to be the only friend. A friend that will drag one down, chain them down with their misery.
How does one escape such a fate from time? How does one overcome their bad experience time had given them in life? When life is suppose to be precious and joyous? What does one do? Taking the first step is always the hardest they say, but it becomes easier after the first mile. And with each step comes change, change that can be either good or bad. Depending on how one views it in their eyes. Some become fearful of such change and refuse to go any further while some walk on faith. Even if they will never get or understand the reason. Just to go out on faith, is a good thing. Though is it good to leave what they've experienced behind them? All they treasured and cared for, to be lost in the in wind? Was it truly lost in the wind or just taking form into something else?
What was this new fresh start in life? Was rebirth? It seem to happen after an experience in life, it seem like Time's gift to one. Giving them a second chance, it was Time's way of apologizing for what it had done. A wonderful gift, that left one to think what they should with it really? Should they relive their past or start a better future? Stuck at a crossroad, take the left or take the right. A decision one had to make on their on. One path lead somewhere better, the other didn't. Which way to choose? Looking on way gave pain, while the other way gave prosperity. There was no need for logic to be used in something like this, it shouldn't. Taking the step in the right direction couldn't be a mistake, it just left one feeling a sense of guilt and abandonment if they did not choose wrong direction. But it seem that way didn't really want them, in the right direction open arms and hearts awaited them. A new wonderful life. That accepted them for who and what are. And glad to have them. Who would provide for them what they lost. There was no thinking involved, if it felt right, it was right. This was the start of something new, something beyond their understanding. Without a second, they take the first step in the right direction a choice they where equally happy to make. Though with a heavy heart hoped to reunite later with those they felt in the other direction.
It was another lovely day in Konoha, people up and about doing their thing. Despite the upcoming war many seem to be preparing for, it was still a lovely day none the less. To wake up and see such joy and warmth almost felt like being back home. With April and the others. May their souls rest. Having come to accepting the lost of your sister, sensei and friend and home, you felt a bit better. It took some time though, though with the help everyone, your friends it was a smoother transition than you realized. Everyone of them helped in your recovery, not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. It felt rather weird at first, as you felt guilt for handing off your burdens and emotions on them, but they took it with such strength it amazed you. They insisted and assured you it was alright. You were their friend after all, and that's what friends do. Actually no, that's what family does Naruto said. He made it very adamant you shouldn't shoulder whatever you felt inside by yourself. As you had done before, sharing it others made it better.
And you felt better, you did apologize to everyone for all you had put them through. Calling yourself quite ridiculous for making such a decision which you assumed would be in their best interest. For it backfire. Thinking like a computer instead of a person, but that was just how your mind worked. As Tsunade told you, words no doubt from Master Splinter. You mixed your logic with your emotions. They did admit how upset they became with you, for being so reckless a trait Sakura suggested you inherited from Naruto, that no doubt rubbed off on you. Ino was more vocal about it than anyone, stating you stressed her out and she didn't want to have any grey hair, because if she did you would be doomed. She again told you, it was her job to look out for you and she would continue to do so. Stating she would take the place as your sister from now on, and because she was you needed to listen to her more. And she would there for you.
You did apologize to her, but you really apologized to Hinata. The guilt of having to fight her, even if you didn't inflict any sort of damage to her, you felt you did so emotionally. Stating to her, you didn't deserve to be her friend in any sort of way. And would do all you could to be make up for it. Hinata agreed to your terms, and the way in which you could make it up to her was having quality time together like before. Telling you she understood and didn't hold it against you, she was just glad you came out well. There wasn't a moment she sleep, worried about you, you're her best friend after all. She told you. And she wants to continue the friendship. Which you accepted and promised to be a better friend.
It amazed you how everyone didn't really reprimand you, minus the hopefully joking threats a few of them told you. When Tsunade felt you where fully ready to know everything, she informed you about it all. Explained how Splinter and the others came here. After you where transported to their world, Splinter and the others tired to recreate it, though they couldn't fully understand your spell. Though luckily his son Donnie might have had a break through, which of course caught wind with Kraang and Shredder. Because Splinter and the others needed the Kraang's tech to get it work, they had to raid a one of the Kraang's bases. Which allowed Donnie to access to what he needed, he had just finished when Shredder and the Kraang ambushed them. Having found out. Splinter had order his son to start it up, as he would go and rescue you. But it all backfired, Shredder tired to block him which caused damage in the equipment that began to suck in everything. Some strange energy grabbed hold of Splinter, Shredder, his men, and the Kraang. Donnie was no doubt to shut it off, though not before April jumped in before he did so. Determined to get her sister back. Because of the mishap, Splinter was separated from April, who ended up with the Kraang. Splinter was soon found afterwards, after Shredder had made his mark in this world. The mutant looked tirelessly for you before his capture. Where he was put through a horrible ordeal, not to mention your sister. Who became brainwashed by those whom Shredder consider allies. Which you realized that dark kounichi who came after you was no doubt your sister, and Tsunade verified it. You knew it had to be April, her brainwaves seem so close, but because of the brainwashing it made it a bit harder for you tell. The girl who came to you as April nothing but a mere copy, as your sister became part of the experiment. She was the one you ended up killing along with Master Splinter when you were could not see any sense. Lost like a mindless machine.
Tsunade told you, Splinter was so determine to finding you. Carrying the burden it was his fault you where taken away from your family and friends. He endured a great deal to ensure your safe return as well April's who's fate he deeply regrets. He was fully aware neither could return back home, his plan was to find you and save April, then live a hermit life her in this world. But that all changed, he had to save you as he knew what was going to happen to you. Though his prison was well secured, until fate became kind to him and helped him escape. That was when he mange to track you down Konoha through rumors and concentrating. A skill she admitted was quite remarkable. When he came to the village, he was too late but did inform everyone about your past and what you planned to do. He accepted their assistance. A honorable and admirable warrior. A respectable man, she told you. Telling you how blessed you were to have such a person as a sensei. She told you what he told herself and the others. It was then she realized, this was his will. He knew he was going to die, and accepted it. He wanted you and if lucky your sister as well to be taken care of, but if only you. Than to help you in life, become the new pieces in her life. Do not let you fall. All you to cherish everything. Keep you smiling. Walk with you through the harshness life has to offer. Teach you and let you grow. Know that those back home loved and miss you. And he is very proud to call you his student. He apologizes to you for causing you to suffer. He wants you to move on with your life in this new world. Asking for Tsunade to watch you, a task she held to high regards. A promise she agreed too. A promise Naruto took on as well. Even though it wasn't directed to him.
Hearing that pained you and made you miss your sensei more, and your sister. You grieved for them more, but soon understood. Though you felt guilty for causing all this to happen, you where happy they no longer had to worry about finding you. Finding a sense of resolve because of it. There was no need for you dwindle on the past, on the fact you couldn't see your sensei or sister again. Because that wasn't what Master Splinter wanted, he wanted you to move forward. And to prove it, Tsunade presented you with April's Iron Fan, which Tenten had stored away for you, for safe keeping. The only item you had of them both. On the matter with Kai, the others told you it wasn't your fault. To honest, your attention to Kai would have saved him, if the one who killed him didn't tamper with his recovery. Still, it didn't help. Naruto told you how Kai cried for you, when he thought he lost you. How important you had become to him, he told you Kai always spoke fondly about you. And was very grateful for you being in his life. He was proud of you. When you where missing that one time, he was determine to find you than anyone. You had brought something back into his life and his son's. He couldn't be more thankful for. He considered you a part of his family, no matter what. To hear such words about Kai's feelings to you, you wished he would have told you. Having memories of him was all you had, which you wished you had more. But it was enough. He held a important place in you too. He was the first friendly face to accept you. He taught you about medical ninjutsu. And was the one who believed you would be a great asset to Suna. He had so much faith in you.
You thanked him many times from the words you heard. Those memories with Kai would stay with you forever. Hearing all of what Tsunade told you, made you feel at peace. The turmoil you felt inside began to settle. The only one left was with Gaara, you understood just a bit why he did what he did. But you just needed to know why. You didn't like it. It hurt bitterly, when you thought about it. No one could tell you really, Naruto gave you what Gaara asked him to give you. It was only for your eyes, and your eyes only to read. You tired to hold in your emotions about it all, the fact he left you here, Temari your jonin, made you feel as if you where no strong enough, the only thing you had was the scarf she gave you, and with Kankuro. Not to see them like you use to. The fact you weren't in Suna laid heavy on your heart. You where given your forehead protector, left behind by Gaara. It felt like a slap in the face, recalling what Naruto told you, what it meant to be given one. He told you Gaara saw something special in you and you where not part of a village, a place called home. Those words made you feel wonderful. Now thinking about them, you felt opposite. It made you upset, but you didn't know why fully. Confused by this, you tired to figure it out. But there was just no logic behind it. You even tired to explain it to Hinata who didn't really know what to tell. So the only conclusion you could come to, he didn't need you anymore. You had repaid your kindness to him and he was releasing you. Which you accepted despite the pain you felt.
But you couldn't stay like that forever, you couldn't let that feeling control you. Even if it was powerful. You had and would at times reminisce about your life in Suna, with Temari. Going out with her, her watching train, when she took you shopping. Accepted you as her genin, trained with you, which was rather harsh, but she just wanted you to be the best. She seem uncaring when it came to training. But you didn't mind. You never realized it until now, how much you grew to depend upon her. Trailing her, to make sure you did right by her. Following her words, you just as strong as her, as she was your jonin. And your strength reflected her's. The times with Kankuro, going to visit him in his workshop. Always interested in his puppets, a few times asking him to put on a show for you or you tired to help, which didn't end well. How would bring him lunch, a few times you went on missions with him and trained with him, if Temari was busy. He seem at times impatient with you, but was one you could go to about things and he would explain them. At times you heard him mumble under his breath calling you a pain or headache. Which of course you would respond with offering him medicine, which he would just call you dense. He was though the one who seem to jump to your defense when it came to meetings with the council. You thought of your times with Ebizo, the old man was very kind to you and enjoyed your company. Calling you the village's flower. You enjoyed talking with him, and he always had words of wisdom for you. A few times you remember falling asleep at his place. He was a good man. But what you realized what you would miss the most, was watching the stars and the sun rise or set with Gaara. Going to visit him randomly, bringing him meals, making sure he was taking care of himself. Helping him water the planets in his office and flowers. Trying to get him to dance with you, leaving him little notes. Giving him hugs and kissing the mark on his forehead whenever you left for a mission or to help him. Because it seem to, as you felt his aura spike then relax. The promise you made to return everyone to his village back safely seem to mean nothing now.
Him releasing you, it just didn't feel right. But you couldn't look to the past. You had sent letters to them, which became the last thing you did. Now living here in Konoha, it was much different. But not in a bad way. After things became better for you, your body began to heal itself, you where allowed to be release. Once you managed to walk on you own, though you still needed tending to, so you moved into with Shikamaru's family along, Natsuki stayed with Hinata, along with Kaito who came about a day after the funeral. The boy was dropped off by Shira who was happy to hear you had been recovering well. Kaito was so happy to see you again, he seem in better health. You where happy to see him as well. And apologized to him, and would take care of him. Kaito was just happy to have you with him. Though he did mourn his father absent presence. With Kaito came Onyx, who Natsuki had sent out awhile back to asks for help from someone in Konoha. It was directed to surprisingly to Neji. The poor little hawk didn't get a chance to reach it's destination, because of unforeseen circumstances. But thankfully he was recovered. Kaito took up residence with Natsuki for the time. You enjoyed your time with the Nara's Yoshino was very attentive towards you, while forcing her son and husband to do the same thing. It felt rather nice to have a family again. Yoshino insisted you call her mother or mom which ever you felt comfortable with, and the same with Shikaku either father or dad. Everyday you had a home cook meal and would eat with them, you actually felt a part of their family. Shikaku would spend time with you when he could, Shikamaru acted as both a friend and brother. He introduced you Shoeji, which you became rather good at. But the best thing you liked was when he told you he understood how you felt about loosing your sensei. Telling you about his sensei Asuma. And how it was now your job to carry on his will and wishes. Once healed, you didn't want to do it a part of you wanted to stay with the Nara's, but you couldn't.
Shikaku seem to notice this, and didn't mind though Yoshino wasn't as understanding like her husband and son. She wanted you to stay, but you couldn't. You thanked them for everything and ended up moving out on your own, Shikaku helped you find a place along with Tsunade, it was one of apartments being rebuild. The right size for you, Natsuki and Kaito, and Onyx. The place was alright, a good size. With two rooms, one for yourself and the other for the two to share. Hinata and few other others helped you settle in. Kakashi helped you get some furniture, Ino of course help you decorate. Which of course you where very grateful for everything. Because you had yet to start working then, food was provided for you and the others. Natsuki and Kaito seem to enjoy their new home. Thought it seem a bit plain, it was home. The two where becoming you new family. It made sense, each of you having lost the only family and being foreign from different places. You from your world, Natsuki from Amekagure, Kaito from Sunagkure. All three of you ended up settling here in Konoha. Becoming members of the village, you finally had a ninja registration number along with a new rank, Tsunade upped you to Tokubetsu Joni, seeing you had the skills to be on that level. Praising you for your skills and abilities with charms, pretty much meaning barriers. Admitting it very superb beyond anything she's seen. Telling you had talent in it. But admitted she was going to put you as a chunin, but after what she saw in your memories what you could do, it would seem like insult. The others where happy for you, and you for yourself. Giving all thanks to Master Splinter.
With the forehead protector you where given now with the symbol of Konoha on it instead of Suna, it did feel a bit weird but you accepted it. The only thing you felt missing was not being part of something, a team. With Temari you had her, back home you had the Leo and the others. Here in Konoha, you didn't seem to have one. Everyone else did, a three man squad with jonin. The others did include you in their group, but not permit so you pretty much floated around. Which was alright, until someone asked you join their group.
Guy. He extended the invite for you, well pretty much dragged you into his squad. Though of course he had to receive promotion from Tsunade who was reluctant at first considering how rough his team could be, mainly their leader. And she really wanted you to take it easy coming back, ease back into your powers still learning and trying to understand this new kind of form you could take. Your body was now able to coat itself back into that metal skin, either completely or just partially, you had no control over it, as it just came when you became stressed or fearful. Leaving immobilized . And when it took over, it was hard to release from it. So she felt it was best you not be with his team. Until she figured out a bit more about it. But you surprising her insisted on being part of his team. It made the most sense, if Guy was known for his kind of training, than it could help you get a better control over this new ability. The rushing feel of fight or flight, you had to suppress. Not cave into your fear, so Guy's team was your best fit. Which of course the man couldn't be more over joyed.
Training was hard and rigorous, your fear took you over more than you could count. Ended with you accomplishing nothing and a couple of injuries. Yet you kept going, you had to get this down. You refused to allow this new form to take over you, like it did before. Allow the Kraang and Shredder to still have power of you, your nightmares to haunt you and prevent you. You just had to clear your mind, that was all. To remind yourself, you where going to be alright. To be at peace. While at the same time, let loose. As Sakura told you. You had to make your Master's words count for something, to live out his will like Shikamaru said. With those words to encourage you and keep going. You pushed forward. Though this new form offered you good durability and strength, you could not use your other set of skills. And if counted with extreme heat or high intense electric current. Or with enough strength and pressure to break through.
Things you learned through training, which was a good thing.
"Hello May."
"Good day, May."
The villagers greeted you as you walked through, you smile back at them pleasantly.
"Yes. Hello."you respond back.
Today you just decided to take a stroll through the village, to take in the sites. Dressed in spring green off the shoulder cowl long sleeve shirt, with simple brown skirts and ankle high sandals, your hair still remained short though it grew just a bit. Ino helped you style it so it would look better, your bangs sweep over the left side of your face just a bit, with your broach in your hair. You missed your longer hair, but this style wasn't too bad. Finding the spot you felt comfortable at, you take a seat. It was so calm and quiet. No one was here, but you. Here you could clear your mind about everything. Talk to Master Splinter and April, even though you knew it was just in your head, it was nice to do. You did your deep thinking here, about everything that has transpired since you came here. What a journey you thought. To come into a world like this, people doing imaginable things. It was still strange really, even after being here for so long. Thinking about how everything in this world amazed you, which it still did. Learning how to adjust, following everyone else in hopes to learn. Gaining and loosing.
Looking over the village where you sat, this place was now your new home. This world now your world. It was strange to believe really, but it was. Smiling to yourself thinking about everyone. When the sound of soft footsteps approached, you turn in that direction surprised to find them standing there. More surprised you didn't sense it or your mind was just to far wondering that you didn't.
"Neji?"you look at the Hyuga. He looks back, there was silence between you two, so you smile at him.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt you."He apologizes.
You shake your head."No. Not at all, I was just thinking that's all."He walks over to you."I just needed to get away, to just think. But, I guess I became to lost in thought I did not seem to notice your presence. Is there something I can do for you Neji?"You began to stand up."Was there a practice today, that I forgot?"
"No. There wasn't one."he said."I just happen to be walking by."
"Oh. Well then, would you like to keep walking with me?"you suggest."I promised Hinata I would meet with her."He nods and walks with you on your side. His eyes though would slide over to your broach. Which you noticed."I know I don't have enough hair,"you assume he was looking at your hair instead."But I still like to wear it. Thank you again Neji for such a lovely gift. You really didn't have to do such a thing."You touch it."I don't really know how I'm going to repay you for such a gift."You smile to yourself."It was a very sweet gesture."
"...You're welcome."he tells you. Stopping when he noticed you had stopped walking, he looks back to you standing a bit higher than him on the incline of the path."Is something wrong?"You didn't say anything."What's it?"he started to become concerned.
Your smile had faded, your eyes looking up at the sky now mixing with soft tones of orange and red. The sun was setting."You've been so kind to me, Neji. You helped me back when I was in the hospital. And how you fought tirelessly to reach me. Hinata told me and Lee, Tenten. They told me how worried you became. You seem anxious and frustrated. The same back in Amekagure. Even back with the Land of came with me, when I left Konoha."You slowly turn to him your eyes stare into his smiling but at the same time with sorrow."All that you have done, I never did once fully thank you. Which isn't right."you walk to him with a soft smile."Please, may I repay you for your kindness?"He wasn't sure what you meant, but nodded. You smile brightens a bit."Thank you."Next thing Neji knew you had untied his forehead protector that hide the seal upon his forehead. Your eyes stayed fixated on it, you'd never seen this on him before. Recalling what Lee had told you about the Hyuga clan, putting seals upon their members if not part of the main branch. There it was upon Neji's forehead, as a reminder of his status. Just like you. With the barcode branded on your neck, and the now permit brand of the Foot Clan on your back, given to you by Shredder.
Both to remind you of what you where. Your eyes fill with sympathy for him and hurt. You didn't know what it was but this strange force seem to connect with him. You couldn't explain it, but you could feel the similarities. Which brought back your own memories of your life, being built by the Kraang. They flattered in your mind freezing you, though your hand on its own began to rise to touch your mark. To be stopped, something grabbed it preventing you from going any further. You felt them squeeze it for comfort. Your head down, your mind began spinning so much you needed to rest it. And rest you did, on something firm and warm. Listening to their heartbeat so calm and soothing. Arms began to wrap around you securing you close to them. Allowing you to take all the time you needed.
Coming back to reality, remembering what it was you where going to do. While at the same time realizing this.
You smile on his chest. Wiping your eyes as if tears came. And look up at him with a sad, yet happy smile."Please forgive me."You break from his hold and fix yourself."I didn't think...Anyway, please let me repay you."You place your hands on either side of his face tenderly and stand up on our tip toes, pushing yourself up since he was taller than you, needing a bit more, you push off and stay afloat. And directly in the middle of his seal you place your lips, this was your way of repaying him. The one gesture you remember April explaining to you, it can mean many things. Leaving your lips there for a few more seconds. Taking them off and take your hands back."There."You began to retie his forehead protector back on him."I know it is not much, but thank you so much Neji. For all you have done. I may never understand why, but I than-"
He grabs your wrist firmly. Startling you a bit, you look straight at him, still off the ground. He locks his eyes with yours calm yet intense. There seem to be something bothering him, something he wanted to say. The look he had in his eyes was quite a powerful gaze, yet soft. Leaving you a bit confused.
"Neji? Neji what's wrong?"you ask."Did you not like your gift?"
"No."he tells you."Awhile back, you said the same thing to me. What was the purpose of you receiving such a git. You didn't understand why. I said, there does not need to be a reason. And again, my answer remains the same. There is no need for a reason. But if you prefer one, than I will show you."His words slightly made your panic, which quickly washed away. And he showed you. His lips pressed up against your own. Firm and soft. Deep and meaningful. He pressed a bit deeper, though still shocked you slowly began to relax. That feeling you felt earlier with him, melded together right now. His hold on you remained secured. Remembering you both needed air, he slowly pulls away, but kept his forehead touching your's. His breathing was slowly and calm, but his heart pulsated rapidly. His eyes remained closed before they open and gaze deeply into yours."There is no reason or purpose. None at all."his tone was serious, but kind. He takes his forehead off and pulls you into him, holding you against his chest."..."
Understanding. You felt like crying but didn't. You smile on his chest and melt."Thank you. Neji."He didn't respond but just smiled and kissed the top of your forehead.