Author's note: Weeehhh I got some good feedbacks from my awesome readers! Thanks a lot…and oh sorry about those who don't understand Japanese language… But I DO watch a lot of anime that are subtitled so I am used to writing with Japanese words in them…I guess I have to warn you this time…BEWARE of Japanese text. I'll even put the meanings of the words in the end for my readers' sakes! Oh and about the 'traditions' mentioned, here I'm not really familiar with the Japanese culture, so I made most of them up…for the sake of the story and for the couple the story is centered around. And WARNING this chapter is a bit LEMONY BTW, I have a reason of including some other characters and their storyline in here….

Chapter 9 – Light of Hope

What was wrong with him? He wasn't the type to wake up staring back at the least likely person he could think of. She had that worried look on her face, the same expression he saw on her every time she looked at him. He wasn't sure whether it was a look of worry…he was led to believe at that point that she pitied him.

Besides…

Gaara sat up from his sleeping position and looked around at the eyes staring back at him.

Who would worry about a monster like him?

"Would someone care to explain to me what's going on here?" The Red haired Chuunin looked up to see the female Hokage glancing at Hinata's back and then at Neji's. He had a feeling that the two Hyuuga siblings didn't inform the Hokage about HIS health.

Oh well…Why would they? He was nothing to them…not really.

Hinata did not answer, instead her eyes forced to train themselves upon Gaara, wondering if he was all right. Gaara did not return her look. He kept his eyes away from her, ready to leave. She watched in shock as the Sand Chuunin pressed his feet on the ground, putting on his slippers slowly.

Neji took a deep breath. "Gomen nasai for not telling you sooner, Hokage-sama. It's going to be a long story." He turned and faced the blond woman.

Tsunade frowned, looking at Neji sternly. "Then make it short."

He did not flinch, but followed her request. He began to explain everything from the beginning, from the time Hinata was kidnapped by some strange Shinobis from the Sand Village, followed by Hinata's rescue. Neji admitted out loud that he was glad Ino was there to help him out or they wouldn't have gotten her out of there.

When he was finished there was a moment of silence, before Gaara stood up and started walking to the tent entrance. He was suddenly blocked by Tsunade, her arm lifted up in front of him. "Where are you going?" there was a harsh tone in her voice.

Hinata stood up and turned to watch Gaara and Tsunade face off. There was an intense aura surrounding the both of them, as if a scorpion was facing off with a snake…both deadly animals.

Gaara glared at her, slapping away Tsunade's hand. "None of your business!"

Tsunade was not amused. She was the type of person who wasn't easily influenced to back down against a fight. After all…she WAS the Hokage-sama. She stepped in front of Gaara and basically forced him back down on the bed. Gaara, however was another person who would not back down. He blocked her hands from touching him by grabbing both of them with his own, keeping a firm grip on them. Tsunade retaliated by kicking him in the gut. Gaara fell back, however managed to grab her by the throat.

Hinata watched in horror as Gaara basically lifted Tsunade off her feet.

Gaara smiled evilly, enjoying this pain that was coming out of the old hag's face. This was the moment of his life…to be able to kill someone greater than him.

"Hokage-sama!" Neji screamed, lunging for Gaara.

"STOP NEJI!" Tsunade screamed, stopping Neji dead in his tracks. The blond woman stared down at Gaara. "Why don't you look behind me at Hinata-chan?" she whispered.

"Urusai!" Gaara hissed, gripping his hand tighter.

Tsunade smirked. "You want to don't you? Look at her, Gaara! She is in pain when you're like this! When you're in your worse killing phase ever! GET OUT OF HIM DEMON! GET OUT!"

Pathetic woman! I will NEVER leave Gaara's side! I am his confidante…his only companion! What can a weakling such as 'Hinata-chan,' do to make him happy?

"Everything!" Gaara opened his eyes and looked around. Where was he? There was so much darkness around him and be could barely see anything. "Why don't you get out of here now!? This is NOT your place!" He looked over his shoulder and noticed a woman with long blond hair looking back at him…glaring at him.

"And whose place is it then?" There was a second voice. Gaara turned back around to where he was just facing to find himself looking straight towards a tall figure clad in black with a long bushy tail.

"It's Gaara's alone! Let him choose his own will! You are clouding him with black thoughts!"

There was a blinding light that escaped from the palm of the woman's hands, hitting the dark figure square in the chest. The light sent the dark figure flying fifty feet in the air, landing hard on the ground.

"Hokage-sama!"

Gaara opened his eyes, finding himself on the ground.

Tsunade was on the floor, breathing hard and beads of sweat pouring at the sides of his face. Neji was quickly at her side, helping her up. Hinata was kneeling beside Gaara.

"Gaara-san? Daijoubu?"

The red haired Chuunin stared back at the person who had asked that question. Hinata was looking at him worriedly…worriedly? She was faking it, Gaara could tell but there really was no faking the look she had on.

But right now he had no time to ponder these thoughts because as soon as he helped himself up from the ground, his neck started to itch. Gaara blinked, reaching up behind his neck to scratch.

"Don't worry, Gaara…" Tsunade spoke, rubbing her butt after landing on them hard on the ground from the impact. "You will no longer feel pain."

Gaara's eyes widened. Masaka! Had she sealed the demon!? NO! It was not possible! "What did you do to me!?"

"I only did what I had to do…"

"NO!" He stood up and grabbed Hinata by the neck, doing the same thing he was doing to Tsunade. "Remove the seal! NOW! Or I kill her!"

"Hinata-sama!" Neji wanted to run to her, but Tsunade blocked him. She looked at Neji and shook her head. Neji understood and stood back.

The demon was his only companion…it was the only thing that accepted him for who he was…the one who took care of him ever since he was a child. He was meant to have IT as his companion so that together they could get rid of the people that made him angry or sad. IT made him stronger than anyone else. 'Where are you?' he called out to IT.

There was no answer…

"You cannot," Tsunade simply said.

Gaara snorted, turning his head towards Tsunade. "What makes you think I can't?" He gripped his hand tighter around her delicate neck now.

Hinata tried to struggle out of it, but he only tightened his grip. This scene was all too familiar. She wondered if this time she will stay alive.

Tsunade took a dangerous step forward. "You are human now…you will feel pain, pleasure and everything a human feels…even love. You are free Gaara."

Free from what? Is this woman crazy!? NO ONE can ever free him from anything! Not even from this hell he's been living in for sixteen long years. 'Can you hear me!?'

Still no answer…

No…she was bluffing.

It was definitely a bluff.

"If you think I'm bluffing, then why are your hands relaxing from around her throat?" Tsunade nodded towards Gaara's hand, which was indeed releasing Hinata ever so slowly.

Hinata landed on the bed softly, coughing for breath.

"WHY YOU-!" Gaara had no time to react when something hit him at the side of his face, sending him flying through the tent and to the sunshine.

"Neji-niisan!" Hinata gasped, trying to stop Neji. But Neji was as stubborn as Sasuke. He ran outside to meet up with Gaara and charged. Hinata ran outside, yelling at Neji to stop, but he wasn't listening. "Hokage-sama! Aren't you going to stop them!?" She looked up as Tsunade stepped out of the tent to join her.

Tsunade shook her head, clasping her hands behind her calmly. "This is HIS fight now…" She nodded at Gaara who seemed to be struggling to block Neji's punches. The blond woman looked at Hinata. "And yours…"

"Mine?" Hinata asked, lifting up a curious eyebrow.

Neji did a somersault and kicked Gaara while he was still trying to recover. Gaara jumped out of the way just in time and clasped his hands together to do a jitsu. When nothing happened, Neji managed to knock the wind out of him.

Confused, Hinata looked back at Tsunade. "What did you do to him?"

"Just as you have heard from me….I freed him from the demon. But it won't last long. The demon will surely release itself if you let it…Hinata. You are the light of hope for this young man."

Hinata blushed. "Why me?"

"Because he saw you first," was Tsunade's only answer. She watched as Gaara once again was beaten down by Neji…powerless. "Enough Neji…that's enough." When Neji didn't listen, Tsunade blocked him from making another hit towards an already battered Gaara and kicked him in the guts. Neji doubled over, clutching at his stomach. "I said that's enough!"

Gaara was breathing hard…something he hasn't done in ages and leaned against the tree in a sitting position…his only support for now.

Neji nodded and stood up calmly, wincing at the pain in his stomach.

"Neji-niisan? Daijoubu?" Hinata's soft voice spoke.

The older Hyuuga glanced at Hinata and nodded. "I should be asking you that question. Are you feeling okay?" Hinata nodded slowly. "Hai." She glanced at Gaara, who was still on the ground. She kept staring at him, wondering if she should go and tend to him…

"Gomen nasai, Hinata-sama."

"Hm?" Hinata looked back at Neji. "Doushite?"

"For thinking I wanted to kill Gaara. I know if I had done so, you would've been angry with me."

Hinata looked away from him and smiled at Neji's thoughtfulness. "I know you mean well, so yes you're right. I would've been angry with you. I probably wouldn't speak to you if you did that."

There were no lies between them now. They both knew she was in love with the bad boy from Sand Village.

Gaara opened one eye and noticed a shadow hovering over him. It was Tsunade.

"I'll be gone for a week for the Village of Water so I can fetch the antidote for you and Hinata's poison."

"…….."

The blond woman removed her hair from her shoulders and smiled. "Why don't you go to Hinata? She's worried about you, I can tell."

"………"

Tsunade didn't answer instead she walked back to Neji and Hinata. "I'll be leaving now for the village. Shizune will take care of the place while I'm gone, but I expect no fights between you and Gaara, Neji…"

Neji was quite disappointed about that but nodded anyway without answering.

"Hinata…" Tsunade lifted up a hand and placed it underneath her chin, lifting her head up so she could look at her. "You're free too." She winked and left.

Confused, Hinata watched Tsunade's retreating back.
Crowds of people surrounded the busy streets of the village. Most of them were entering stores that must have gone up in sales with all the customers they were getting, especially the mask store. He had forgotten that it was the Winter Festival, where masks were the highlight of the final night where everyone gets to wear them during the fireworks to symbolize the coming of the New Year. While wearing these masks, each and every individual or families come to represent how their lives have been during the year, whether happy, sad or just plain bad. It didn't matter what the emotions were as long as they showed it and if they didn't, they would have bad luck for the next year. The Konoha villagers were quite superstitious when it came to having bad luck or good luck. It had become part of a tradition that lasted for hundreds of years during the Winter Festival.

He appeared from the crowd, literally removing himself from the shadows so he could see where HE was. From what Ryoki Hyuuga could see, he was amongst one of the taller people in the crowd, so there really was no need to go on his toes to look around for the young man. Neji had not returned for three days straight from this training by Kurenai. "It must be one tough training," he pondered out loud. As soon as he appeared around the corner pass the mask store, someone bumped into him. "Oh! Sumimasen…" His hand felt something soft and round and Ryoki Hyuuga looked down and saw a familiar blond woman with a straight face looking up at him. Ryoki's face turned a beet red when he noticed who it was and WHAT it was that he was holding-

"Will you kindly take your hands off of my breasts, Hyuuga-san?" Tsunade requested calmly.

Ryoki quickly removed his hands away from them and bowed apologetically. "Gomen nasai, Hokage-sama. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Please forgive me. I was looking for Neji-sama…have you seen him?"

Tsunade took a deep breath. She was going to let this slide…for now. "Yes, he is with Hinata-chan at my tent with Gaara Subaku."

Ryoki froze. "Gaara…of the Sand?"

The blond woman stared at him curiously. "Are you all right?"

"Of course I am not all right Hokage-sama!" Ryoki suddenly blurted out. "Why is he and Hinata-chan WITH that monster?"

Tsunade, with a straight face walked passed him and continued on her way. "You shouldn't be the one to talk about who the monster is, Ryoki-san. Now, I must leave."

Ryoki watched her go, blinking in curiosity at the last few words she said. Sighing, he shook his head and glanced down at his watch. He had a few hours until he had to get ready for tonight. He had to find Neji-sama quick.
The Winter Festival was nearby and for lovers it was one of the most important events (especially to the girls). Every year, it was tradition that the boyfriends would have to give something special to their girlfriends, as long it was given to the right time and in the right place. Those who were not lovers, the boy would have to tie a red ribbon around the girl he likes and the girl would tie a blue ribbon around the boy she likes. TenTen was not really fond with those kinds of traditions, because she wasn't really fond with the fact that she has to tie a ribbon around Neji's wrist to tell him she liked him. It was ridiculous really! Every year she had to deal with that kind of crap and every year she has to watch her two older sisters get a present from their boyfriends. Her youngest sister (who was only a year younger than her mind you), Shyao who was the flirtiest amongst her clan, would have different red ribbons tied around her wrists or neck every year. Don't get her wrong, she DID get one from a boy during class last year, but that was because he had a bet he wanted to win so bad. And indeed he won and then she was later thrown away like garbage.

"TenTen! Aren't you going to the festival?" Her second oldest sister, Hana who was very kind and quite outgoing, poked her head out from the bathroom.

Nope. Not this year.

"No," she replied simply. The dark haired girl heard footsteps coming down the stairs. TenTen looked up from her reading: The Fallen Heroes of Konoha and sat up from lying down on the floor. Shi-Na, the eldest, was dressed in a pearl white kimono, adorned with blue and pink flowers around the front. Her long, curly hair was up in a single bun with little strands of dark curls at the sides of her face.

"There's no way we can convince her anymore, Hana-chan," Shi-Na said as soon as she reached the bottom of the stairs. "Our dear sweet TenTen has locked herself in a room somewhere and threw away the key for ANYONE to get in."

That was just typical of Shi-Na, TenTen thought. She spoke in a poetic fashion and tends to exaggerate WAY too much about things. She ignored Shi-Na's comment and decided to see the good things about what she was wearing. "I like your outfit, Shi-Na neechan."

Shi-Na sighed and shook her head. "Oh the beauty of fashion…will it ever reach my dear sweet TenTen?"

She not only exaggerates and brings poetry into every comment she makes, she was high in fashion. In fact, TenTen had a feeling Shi-Na made the kimono all by herself, along with the other ones she made during the past five years ever since she passed sewing school. She is one of the famous dress makers in Konoha, who creates Hokage-sama's wardrobe every Winter Festival.

TenTen frowned, opening her book once again and ignoring her sister's comment on the pajamas she was wearing.

"You didn't even bother to change, Ten-chan?" Hana asked worriedly. Finally, she was out of the bathroom, dressed in something else other than a kimono. It was a long baby blue dress that almost dragged down to the floor with a 'V' neck that showed her cleavage a little bit. It was the most daring outfit TenTen has ever seen her sister wear. She was beautiful, inside and out and without a makeup even. She had that natural beauty. And thank God, that she wasn't wearing any makeup. It would just ruin the whole term of 'natural beauty' from the dictionary.

"Hana-neesan! You're so pretty!" TenTen commented, standing up to admire her. Hana blushed. Even if she's already an adult, Hana still had the tendency to turn a beet red. "He's going to be SO happy to see you!"

Shi-Na frowned. "Hey what about me?"

TenTen couldn't help but laugh as Shi-Na gave her puppy dog eyes. "You're pretty too Shi-Naneesan," she said. "Where's Shyao?"

As if in cue, Shyao comes walking down the stairs, her obviously heavy and possibly long shoes stomping towards them. TenTen smiled. Even if Shyao was only a year younger than her, Shyao still looked twelve for she was short for her age. She had that cute, bubbling and flirting personality everyone loves, but it was TenTen and her sisters alone that know she was different than that. Shyao hid her true feelings by smiling, laughing and just about any man could dream of having as a girlfriend, but in reality, this girl was a total heartbreaker. She didn't care which boys she hurt in the past, as long as she had her 'fun.' No one could see the dark side in her, except for her family. But TenTen and her sisters still love her because despite the darkness she spits out, there was still a little bit of light that keeps on lighting her away from all the bad things she could do…such as drinking or smoking.

"TenTen-oneechaaaaaaaaaaaaan!" Shyao skidded towards her, giving that odd look. She titled her head from side to side, the earrings she was wearing, glaring against TenTen.

The older girl didn't need to know WHAT she was doing because it was right in front of her. Shyao has the tendency to borrow things without asking first. More like…STEALING from her sisters and wearing them until they say 'yes' that she could borrow them. Maybe it was the fact that she was the youngest that she had her share of being spoiled. "Yeah, yeah you can borrow my earrings," TenTen replied.

"Arigatou Gozaimasu, Neechaaaannnnn!" She gave TenTen a hug and ran back upstairs; probably to finish her makeup seeing that she only had half a lipstick on.

"Are you really not going, TenTen?" Shi-Na carefully sat down on the couch, cautious not to wrinkle her dress and turned on the television. Did she forget to mention that Shi-Na was also a tomboy? It was an odd combination…a poet, a fashion addict and a tomboy. But maybe you CAN be all of those things, to show everyone that you're unique in your own way. TenTen was all the personality her sisters were combined so she could at least relate to them. She enjoyed reading books like Han-neechan (one of her favorite past times) and liked discussing the plots, themes and character developments with her. She couldn't discuss anything about being a Shinobi to her, because she never WAS one. Hana admitted to her once that she would rather be something else instead of risking her life saving other people. Although selfish, TenTen could understand that she wasn't that type of person to be in the battlefield. The only one whom she can relate being a Shinobi was Shi-Na, who understood every single bit about being a Genin, a Chuunin and finally being a Jounin. When TenTen had problems with her Chuunin exams, she would turn to her for advice and Shi-Na was helpful.

And finally……she was boy crazy just like Shyao, although not as extreme. Despite her being the flirtiest amongst her sisters, Shyao knew the insights of having a boyfriend and not having a boyfriend. She knew how they think, how they talked, how they walked and what they wanted from a girl.

"TenTen-chan?" Shyao had come down the stairs, fully equipped with a makeup on her face and dressed nicely. Hers was cute too. And with her dark reddish hair, her short skirted dress suited her well. "Are you really not going?"

TenTen shook her head for the second time that day. "No, but don't worry about me. I'll be fine." Yeah right. "You all look pretty!" She smiled that false smile again. How many times does she have to lie her way into not going? It looked like she was boycotting the Winter Festival for good.

"You know, you're going to regret for not going," Shi-Na said as they all walked over to the door. Shyao was out in seconds by the time the door opened, followed by Hana who gave her a kiss before she left and waved. "When are you ever going to show the guy you like him? You can't keep running away from him."

Before TenTen could defend herself however, Shi-Na had closed the door on her.
"Hey, it's the Winter Festival…" She had forgotten that it was already the middle of the winter where the moon would be brightest. Music was being played all around the village to indicate that it was about to start. Tonight, everyone would be gathering around a large fireplace and singing songs and then all would give their part in putting out the fire and just stand in the darkness as they watch the bright moon watching down on them. Hinata had finished wrapping a long bandage around Gaara's torso, provided by Shizune who already left to prepare for the Winter Festival. She was left in charge of the village, despite all the objections she wanted to say to Tsunade, but never had a chance to because she had already left. Good thing most of the Jounins were back home to help her out.

"So?" Gaara hissed.

Hinata smiled, taking his broken hand which was used to block himself from Neji's punch and gently wrapped a bandage around it too. "It's a very important event for couples and to those who like each other."

Gaara didn't know WHY she saying these things or WHY he was even bothering to listen to her. "…….."

"A red ribbon means a guy likes a girl while a blue ribbon means a girl likes a guy." She tied the ends together on his right wrist and leaned back, glancing out the window of the tent. Hinata could see people already dressed in their beautiful costumes, especially the girls…with their dresses and kimonos. Normally, every Winter Festival, she would go with her friends, but most of them had boyfriends so sometimes she felt left out. Those who didn't have one or just didn't care of going, stayed home and watched television or something, but because Hinata was a social person, she didn't like staying home and be cooped up inside. She loved to explore and loved to watch the different costumes people wore.

She could feel Gaara moving on the bed. Hinata turned to look at him and noticed him staring at her. She blinked. "Nani?"

Gaara turned away. "………"

Maybe he wants to discuss about what happened between them. After all this was her chance, since Neji-niisan had already left with Ryoki-san. It took her a while to convince Ryoki-san that she wanted to stay and help out Gaara, but with Neji's help, she was able to. "Ano…Gaara-san?"

Gaara jerked his head at her, alert by the sudden voice. When he realized it was just her, she could see him relax a little on the bed where he sat. "Nani?"

Here she was again, fidgeting with her fingers. "Eto…do you want to talk about…what-what happened between us yesterday?" She was blushing now and her right foot began to tap nervously on the floor.

Noticing the way she was speaking, Gaara examined her a bit. Obviously, she was not good at confrontation like he was. If only IT was speaking to him right now, then maybe he has a chance to kill this girl before he got out of hand by listening to her. "No," was what he finally answered.

"Oh…souka." She was disappointed, but of course she should've expected that because this was Gaara after all. He was hard to read and even harder to talk to. It was like talking to a wall which she knew it wasn't EVER going to answer back. Hinata stood up. "Well, I better get going. I hope you get better."

Gaara didn't know WHY he did it or WHAT came over him but he grabbed her wrist anyway. Startled, Hinata stared at him, wondering the same thing that plagued his mind. He stood all the way up on his feet and stared down at her. In all the stupid things he had done, this one takes the cake. "Why?"

Hinata stared into his eyes. "Why what?"

"Why do I feel this way? What IS this feeling?"

"Fee….feeling?" Hinata stared into his eyes.

Without even bothering to speak anymore, he leaned down and kissed her. Hinata froze, unable to understand this situation and even though they've done this before, this kiss was a little different…it was a lot more urgent—a lot more…She couldn't think anymore. Hinata closed her eyes and wrapped her arm around his neck and kissed him back.

He hungered for her once more-yearned for the touch of her skin. He pulled her against him, her breasts against his body. Her lips were so soft…so moist he just wanted to…And he did. Gaara bit the bottom of her lip, inviting her to come closer.

Hinata understood and kissed him more.

"Hinata…" he whispered. Gaara removed his lips and pulled her head back. Then when he knew he wanted her, leaned down and began licking at the side of her neck, starting from the lobe of her ear, to the base of her neck.

The dark haired girl gasped, shivering at the touch. "!" Suddenly, she pushed herself away, staring into Gaara's lusting eyes. "Wha-?" What had happened just now? Were they SERIOUSLY going to do it if she continued to allow him to explore her like that? What was she thinking!?

Gaara was gasping for breath as she could see his chest moving up and down. He too, seemed to be in an initial shock of what just happened. Growling, he advanced towards her. Startled, Hinata backed away in defense, but instead of going towards her, the Sand Chuunin walked passed her and left the tent.
"Sorry, I'm late!"

She smiled. "It's all right! As long as you're here, it doesn't matter HOW late you are."

He noticed the way she looked. She was indeed a natural beauty, an ethereal beauty that no man could ever touch. He never realized how attractive Hana was, until he saw her wearing a dress other than something casual. Right now, he kind of felt underdressed compared to what she was wearing. "You look…beautiful."

Hana blushed.

It was cute how she still blushed at him even after dating for two years now. "You never cease to amaze me, Hana-chan." He gently took her hand and led her down the busy streets of Konoha. Light adorned the front doors of the stores in the village and the noises of women, men and children surrounded the usual quietness of the Leaf Village. People dressed in bright colours and wearing masks drawn with emotions walked down the streets, greeting friends along the way. He watched as some children ran around, chasing their friends in a game of tag and teenage boys tying a ribbon around teenage girls. It was truly a remarkable evening…

"Ryoki?"

Ryoki blinked and glanced at Hana. "Hai?"

"Daijoubu desu-ka?" There was a look of worry etched on Hana's face.

Tonight…Ryoki began to love her more. "Yes, I'm fine," he replied with a smile. They stopped in front of a man-made pond at the end of the street and cast their wishes into the water with pennies. When they were finished, Ryoki turned to Hana and smiled, reaching something from his pocket. "I have something for you."

Hana expected to be given a simple gift, one that Ryoki usually gave her…either a beautiful necklace from wherever he got it from or an earring adorned mostly with a beautiful pearl shaped in anything that symbolized their love. But what shocked her, as Ryoki took the present out, was that as soon as he handed it to her and she opened it, that it wasn't either of those. The present this time was more…personal-something that involved her to say 'yes' or 'no.'

"What do you say?" He didn't need to ask her properly, because she already knew the question. Ryoki kneeled down. But then again, it WAS still the proper way. "Are you going to marry me?"

Hana took a while to regain from the shock, but managed to croak a simple, "Yes."

Ryoki blinked, unable to find the right words from the surprise HE got at her answer. "You…you will!?"

"Most definitely!"

Ryoki stood up, removed the ring from its comfortable place and slipped it on her ring finger. "YES!" Excitedly, he wrapped his arms around her and twirled her around, joyous laughter escaping from both their lips. "I'M GETTING MARRIED! YES!"
It was almost midnight now…but frankly Neji didn't care. He wondered where TenTen was, but why would he care anyway? She was probably having fun at the festival. Hinata hadn't come home and the rest of the Hyuuga family was at the festival representing their family. It was also tradition that each family would go to the festival to show support, but Neji didn't care much about that. Every year he never went and every year, Hiashi Hyuuga didn't complain. The only time he went was last year because Hinata asked him to.

He needed to rest, but where on earth was Ryoki? He didn't have any pillows on his bed for him to sleep on. The last time Neji remembered was that Ryoki had sent it to the cleaners to get it washed, but maybe he forgot to bring it to his room? He figured it to be in Ryoki's room still so he closed his door and marched to his trusted 'father figure's' room.

As usual, as he stepped inside, it was really dark. It was odd…Ryoki spent all his time in his bedroom and he's never seen his room this dark. He usually left his lamp on so that in case he came home, he can easily flop on to his bed and start reading a book. Ryoki was a smart man…and for someone ten years older than him, that was a big accomplishment. Neji looked around, careful not to touch anything that would be evident of the fact that he was there to 'snoop around,' but he wasn't there to snoop around…he was there to look for his pillows.

In the darkness, with the willingness to avoid any falling of fragile stuff in the room, Neji managed to produce bumps and bruises on his legs. After a while, he had no choice but to feel his way around the room. Normally, it was easy for him to find the bed, but ever since last year, Ryoki has changed the way his bed was positioned for some unknown reason.

"Itai!" Neji yelped. Well…he found the table. He moved his hands around, hoping to find the lamp on the bed, but managed to find something else that interested him. From what the Hyuuga could feel, it was a parchment with a ribbon tied tightly around it. What was Ryoki Hyuuga doing with an unopened parchment? He picked up the parchment, felt his way around the table for the lamp and turned it on. What he held in his hand was indeed a parchment, sealed and signed.

Maybe he had a reason to 'snoop' after all. Curiosity forced him to slowly open the parchment. Neji unrolled it and began to scan through the letter. He couldn't quite understand what was written at first but when he read it the second time, it was as if his whole skin had turned inside out from the information that he covered from this letter.

This was the answer to everything – to why Gaara was sent to kill Hinata, which failed and had to resort to kidnapping. Why did Ryoki have this? Neji read on and noticed at the bottom there was a partial agreement to something. Agreement to what? And then, in the VERY bottom of the letter, there was a vague writing.

An agreement for Hyuuga Hinata to be assassinated by Gaara Subaku in return for the head of Hiashi Hyuuga.

What?!

Signed by......

"Ryoki….How could you do this!?"

"Do what?"

Startled, Neji swiveled around and noticed Ryoki standing in the entrance of his room in the darkness. "You…you signed an agreement to have Hinata-sama killed? Why? How could you do this?"

Ryoki slowly closed the door behind him, his face hidden in the shadows. "I only did what I thought was right, Neji-sama…"

"Such as…? I DEMAND an answer!" In his anger, Neji slammed the parchment on the table.

Ryoki sighed. "What are you going to do if I don't answer?"

"Then you will answer to me!"

"Hah hah! Don't make me laugh Neji-sama! I made you…ever since your father died…I raised you as my own! THIS is the thanks I get!?" Suddenly, he appeared behind Neji. Surprised, Neji whirled around, but not in time to dodge the hit behind his head, sending him unconscious on the ground.

Ryoki jumped down from the table and looked down at Neji. "Don't worry…At midnight, I'm going to make SURE she STAYS dead! For you…Neji-sama…only for you…" He picked up the boy and threw him inside the closet and locked him as tight as he can. When he was finished, he marched out of his door and back to his loved one.

GoodGurl: OOOOHHHH and the plot thickens! MWUAHAHAHAHAH! Stay tuned next week!!!!!!!!!!!!! XD

Oh some Japanese Terms:

Urusai – shut up

Daijoubu or daijoubu desu-ka – are you all right?
Masaka – no way

Niisan – an older brother

Hai - yes

Doushite - why

Sumimasen – excuse me

San – mr. or ms.
Sama – sir or m'am

Chan – when someone calls a childhood friend, usually called by children or a close friend Neechan – an older sister, but in my case, I made Shyao call TenTen that instead of Neesan because they're close in age

Neesan – older sister

Arigatou Gozaimasu – thank you very much

Nani - what

Souka – I see

Eto and Ano – um……..