Disclaimer: um…characters aren't mine. The only one that is mine will be appearing later. And story is mine. Story is built using bits of pieces from other stories. Songs here aren't mine, the first one is Bleach's ending song. And the second one is Bleach's 2nd opening song.
A/N: everyone here is let's say…16. So Tenten somehow got here when she was 2 and was taken care of by draws name out of a hat Tsunade-sama!
She was beautiful, graceful, intelligent and cheerful, he was a prodigy. She was from another country and did not know. He is a caged being to his own heritage. She loves him, He loves another, he does not know. He is Neji, She is Tenten.
They say a Princess is perfect. She will be pretty, intelligent, wise, graceful, confident, humble and strong. Sakura is pretty, she is intelligent, she is wise, graceful and humble. She is not confident for she lacks the belief in herself. And she is not strong because she depends on others too much. She can be a princess in Kohona, but she is too weak anywhere else.
They say a Kunoichi is a proud ninja. They are skilled in combat, intelligent, graceful, confident, stealth-like and are dutiful. Tenten is skilled in combat, she has intelligence, she is graceful, confident, stealth-like and dutiful. She does not want to leave Kohona, yet she must, she is given an order, and she will complete it, it is her way.
It is nighttime. A lone girl sits by the riverbed, humming a singing. Her voice is musical and flows through the wind. This sad melody reaches the ears of Hyuuga Neji and captivates him. He follows the voice and stumbles upon the lone girl. He stays silent though he wants to hear more.
Nobody knows who I really am
Maybe they just don't give a damn
But if I ever need someone to come along
I know you would follow me, and keep me strong
hito no kokoro wa utsuriyuku mukedashiteku naru
tsuki wa mada atarashii shuuki de mune o tsureteku
And every time I see your face
The ocean heaves up to my heart
You make me wanna strain at the oars, and soon
I can see the shore
Oh, I can see the shore
When will I see the shore?
I want you to know who I really am
I never thought I'd feel this way towards you
And if you ever need someone to come along,
I will follow you, and keep you strong…
The girl turns around; she had sensed his presence for a long time. She lowers her head in shame because this is when she looks the weakest, and the most vulnerable. She feels like she has a heavy heart, and her body goes numb. She does not want to see him. It will be her last night in Kohona, she wants a happy one, not one where she will end up crying.
"Tenten, why are you not looking at me? What is wrong Tenten?" Neji finally speaks. He does not like how things turned out. He felt something was wrong when Tenten was announced to leave Kohona, now she will not face him. He makes a grim frown. Maybe he will sing her a song later, something that could help her remember he will there for her. He sits beside her and he lets her lean her head on his shoulder. He knows he should not being doing this, but Sakura will understand.
"I'm scared Neji. I don't want to leave. I don't want to leave Kohona." She manages to whimper out. "I don't want to lave my friends." She pauses "I especially don't want to leave you…" she says that last part to herself. Neji is with Sakura, she has no right, not even if she is leaving tomorrow morning. But when Neji places her head on his shoulder and allows her to lean into him, she fears she may lose control. And she does. Her eyes are leaking tears she cannot stop them. "I'm sorry." Is all she whispers it is barely audible. Only to him, the words were directed only to him.
Neji holds her closer. He is wondering why he is feeling so sad. He dismisses the thought saying it was only because he is worried about his best friend. He looks at the crying girl now tucked safely in his arms. He smiles, and decides that he will give her a memory of him to her now and he begins to sing the song his father has sang to his mother.
Your hand that I held...
Will we lose it someday?
I want to protect you and that disappearing smile
The ringing voice that calls me dries out
Even if it gets erased by the wind along time
I will find you
Injured with pain and sadness, the you that cannot be healed
Don't say words like you can't smile or you hate people
Everything that happens in the unseen future has a meaning
So stay like this, there'll come a time when you will realizeLike a rusted person
It felt so hollow to just pile atop one another
You said you could live on your own
Just with the usual kind words
You ache to a point where I cannot reach youYour hand that I held searched for some simple kindness
Do you remember
By learning pain, you can become a person who can be kind to others
Drive your Life
Injured with pain and sadness, the you that cannot be healed
Don't say words like you can't smile or you hate people
Everything that happens in the unseen future has a meaning
So stay like this, there'll come a time when you will realize
How can I see the meaning of life
Disappearing, you're the only. . .
So you will not break, you distance yourself from me
Don't say words like you can't smile or you hate people
Now it's by and by, even if you cannot see, there's a meaning to everything
Shoulder the burden of the past that cannot be erased; don't throw away your will
to live
You'd better forget everything. Remember. . . your different Life?
You'd better forget everything. Remember. . . though, we cannot return
Like in times of warped memories, we can understand someday
Neji finishes. He is feeling content because Tenten had stop crying, she is looking at him with big round tearful eyes. Neji has given her one of his special memories. She looks confused, but she understands. She will always be the person that understands him. "Sing this song when you're feeling alone. And think of me, and then I will know you still remember me, and still hold onto that memory. When you sing the song, I'll be with you." He looks at Tenten, she is smiling, but with a tint of sadness. He does not know why, he feels his heart is breaking.
Tenten is looking at Neji after he told her to sing the song when she is lonely. She is smiling, and she is wondering if he will sing this to Sakura. A part her does not want him to, it is their special memory. But she silently scolds herself for being so selfish. The thought has made her a bit sad, but the song made her fall in love with Neji even more, and she will smile for him. She closes her eyes to breathe in the moment, she has captured everything that has made her happy into her mind and has set a beautiful scenery. She is ready to leave tomorrow. Neji holds her closer; she begins to fall asleep soundly.
Neji stays seated there by the riverside as Tenten sleeps sitting on his lap. He will miss her; miss her very much, he just doesn't know how much. He stands up and carries her bridal style all the way to her house. Tomorrow morning they will wake up, attend the ceremony help for her, and leave for Snow. Neji has sworn to protect her, and that is what he will do.
The ceremony as come and past, it is time to leave now. Tenten turns around, she does not want to leave, but she will. They are off now, Sakura is lagging behind, she does not seem happy. Tenten pauses and allows Sakura to catch up. She throws Sakura a questioning glance. Sakura sends her an annoyed look and jumps away. Tenten is wondering what has happened.
Sasuke has seen the glance Sakura directed to Tenten. He does not like it. Sakura is mad about something this he knows. But to take it out on Tenten? He does not like that one bit. He hears Hinata ask to rest, they have only been traveling for 3 hours, she must be tired he concludes. Everyone shifts their glance toward Tenten she smiles and nods they will rest. Sasuke takes this time to talk to Tenten. She is leaving, and he wants to get to know her before she does, this way, he will have something to share with everyone else.
"I saw what Sakura did to you. Are you alright?"
Everyone was asking her that and every time she'll say, I'm fine. When she looked at Sasuke she felt this comfort like she did with Neji. She allows herself to slip up just once, and maybe shed her hard strong willed mask just once. She'll allow Sasuke in, because Neji is busy trying to talk to Sakura. She is upset and so is Tenten.
"Why…why does everyone ask if I'm alright? Can you tell me Sasuke? Cause no matter what I say the answer is simple. I'm not alright, I'm not going to be alright and I don't think I'll ever be alright. I'm leaving Sasuke…and I'm not coming back. I'm not going to be living in the village I've known for my entire life. I just found out I had parents and they rule over a country and are using they're daughter as a tool for an alliance. Their daughter, the one that they haven't seen for over 14 years! So I'm not okay Sasuke…I…I…I don't want to leave. I'm not going to ever see any of you again…" Tenten had burst out in tears. She couldn't hold them back any longer…"I don't want to go, I don't want to go…I...I…I don't want to go…" Tenten was breaking down. And Sasuke is wondering why he is feeling this way. He sees her crying, he silently wishes her to stop, he does not like seeing her cry, and yet, he has never really talk to her. He acts on instinct and takes Tenten into a hug.
Sasuke does not know what he is doing. He takes her hand and places it over her heart. He feels he needs to say this. It will make her happier. "You won't leave Tenten. You may be going to Snow, but you have Kohona, right here, it is inside your heart. It will always be with you. And we are. We are where Kohona is, you will never be away from Kohona as long as it's in your heart." Tenten nods. She understands and she is glad.
A few hours has past. Sakura is still mad at Tenten. She had seen Tenten and Neji last night by the riverbed. She will miss Tenten, but she is angered by the fact Neji was so close to her. Neji loves Tenten, she knows this, but she will not act on it. Tenten will be going to Snow, and it will break Neji's heart. She will be here and try to capture Neji's heart fully. Neji and Sasuke was her's, and yet Tenten seemed to be taking that away. She is furious at the turn of events. She wanted to be the royalty, she knows she is vain, but cannot help herself. She wants to be respected and loved like Tenten. She is jealous of Tenten.
Neji turned to the side and glanced at Tenten. She looks deep into her thoughts. He frowns. He does not like to see her like that; it will ruin the image of her perfection. He also does not like the way Sasuke is looking at Tenten. He sees Sasuke looking at Tenten with love and admiration he thinks Sasuke would be a bad choice. He hears rustles amongst the bushes; with his eyes he can see a group of missing nins. He estimates there may be around 20 of them. He signals the group to stay alert and move beside Tenten. He will not let her get hurt. He does this because he has sworn to protect her, and yet he feels he has placed some feeling with the action. The missing nins begin to attack and everyone is doing their best to stop them from reaching Tenten. Tenten wants to fight but Neji opposes her telling her to stay with Sakura, they don't want her injured in anyway. But it is too late she thinks, her heart and pride has already been injured, but she will obey his wish.
An attacker sees an opening and takes the chance. He sneaks up upon them, they will claim the little princess, and the alliance will be broken.
Sakura looks around; she registers what is happening in her mind. They are being attacked. Sakura is almost stabbed, but Tenten blocks her and kills the enemy. She turns and smiles at Sakura. Sakura's eyes widen, she sees a weapon being thrown at her. Tenten sees this too, she knows though, she will not die, and she knows this as well. Neji will save her, no, Neji will save Sakura so will Sasuke. And they do. Everyone has finish they're battles. The attackers are dead, now they flee to the safety of Snow.
It will be the last few hours with Tenten from this point on. Everyone has come to an understanding. They will say their goodbyes to her at the gate. The rest of the journey seemed like a blur of fun times, and the road ahead looks long a gloomy. They have reached Snow country within the next day. No one can stand the pain they are feeling right now. Tenten is adorned in her princess clothing and everyone acts serious while inside they are breaking. They manage to reach the palace gates and are allowed to enter the throne room. This is where Tenten has to turn and say her goodbyes.
Naruto is first. Even with his cheerful attitude, it cannot lift the sorrow or parting that lingers. He smiles and hugs her tightly; he does not want her to go but he knows that this is the ninja way, to follow your duty. Tenten smiles at him, she has tears in her eyes, but she will not let them fall.
"Good bye Tenten-chan! I hope you will live well and that we will meet again! Uno…If we do see each other again, can you tell me if there is any ramen in Snow country and if so tell me what flavor and if it is good, alright? Oh before I forget, I'll Miss you Tenten!"
Tenten nodded, she will do this favor for Naruto. She turn towards Hinata, she smiles her shy smile back.
"Tenten. I will miss you. I hope they treat someone like you really good. I will train my hardest and do my best to be brave for you. Goodbye Tenten, I hope you won't forget us" Hinata did not stutter, everyone knows she is confident enough to say her final farewell.
It is Shikamaru's turn. Although he is lazy, he has something to say. He hugs Tenten to the surprise to everyone, while hugging her he whispers into her ear, "Thank you for everything you did. You helped Ino realize that Sasuke is not the one for her, and you helped me and her become a couple." They part from each other's hold and Shikamaru says, "Goodbye Tenten, may we meet again, you will be missed."
Ino is crying, she wails and hugs Tenten tightly. "You're such a great person Tenten. It is unfortunate that Kohona is to give up someone like you. But be careful all right? And tell me how being a princess feels of we meet again. I'll miss a great friend like you. Good bye Tenten."
Sasuke takes Tenten's hands. He kisses them and places it over his heart. Then he kisses them again and places it over her's. Everyone is bewildered. Sakura feels hurt and does not know why. Sasuke looks at her and softly smiles. "Tenten, I know that I haven't really gotten to know you well, but I wanted you to know, I thought I loved you at first but then I realized I had feelings for someone else. I want you to know that, you are like a sister I never had, and I will keep you in my heart forever. And remember, Kohona is in your heart and so are we, if you ever need us, look into the special memories you have there, and go through them, and good luck. I'll miss you dear sister, goodbye."
Sakura is saddened right now. How could she have turned such a gruesome head at Tenten, when all she did was be herself. Sakura realizes now that no matter what, Tenten will always, truly be a perfect princess, and Sakura is happy for her. Sakura feels tears fall down her face and looks at Neji, he seems to be struggling to control himself. Sakura is feeling guilty now, he had stopped Neji from claiming Tenten, she knows what to do now. She embraces Tenten and continues to let the tears fall. Everyone will here her confession.
"Tenten…I'm so sorry, during this trip I was so jealous of you. And I kept blaming you for everything, and Now your going and all I can do is stand here and watch. When I think back now, I feel so guilty. I'm the one that causes the trouble I'm so sorry. I knew that You like Neji," everyone's eyes widen. Neji snapped his head up to the two. "And I'm the one who was a witch, I stepped in between you two and made myself the attainable 3rd wheel. I'm so sorry Tenten. Accept my apology by remembering me all right? Cause I will definitely remember you. Goodbye, you're like a sister to me."
Tenten looks at Neji now. Her heart is breaking again. It feels like someone is shredding it over and over again. She looks at Neji with sad eyes and spring herself onto him. He embraces her and does not want to let go. He digs his head into her hair, he allows himself to be free and show how much he will miss her. He hugs her and never want to let go. Tenten finally lets go of the tears she held back. She whispers so only Neji can hear, "I love you Hyuuga Neji. I'm sorry I never said it before. Please don't forget me, or I will feel like I have died. I love you Neji…I really really really do…" This only wants to make Neji want to never let go even more. He says his confession so everybody can hear.
"I love you Tenten. I'll never forget you; I will rather die then to forget someone like you. You make me feel complete. Sing the song I taught you and remember the scene at the riverbed, and that way, I know you're thinking of me." They look at each other, and slowly as if by magic, their lips met and embraced the love that they had to offer each other…
"Ahem, sorry to ruin the moment." A voice ringed out. The couple and the rest of the group turned and faced a young woman around their age. She was fairly tall with hazel eyes and long copper hair. "My name is Rose, I will be Tenten-hime's companion from this point forward. I hope to see you all soon, but her majesty will like to see Tenten-hime alone. You are allowed to escort them out Hime, I will be waiting here."
They trudged until the palace gates, and stopped, this is finally it, it was finally it, and they may loose Tenten, forever.
"Good bye everyone. Please enjoy your future and remember me. The 7 of you are my best friends and were like family to me. Naruto, Hinata, I can fortell you two will have a great relationship in the future, please look after Hinata for me Naruto, I trust that you will." This caused both the female Hyuuga of the group and the Kitsune to blush like a red, ripe tomato. Tenten turned to Ino and Shikamaru. "Shikamaru, take care of Ino and keep her under control. Ino, don't yell at Shikamaru too much, and be the best and only girlfriend Shikamaru will ever have." Ino was smiling with tears in her eyes while nodding, Shikamaru nodded and held onto Ino as a lifeline. Tenten then turned toward Sasuke and Sakura, " I know that, you two have been on rough terms as of late, and I want you two to know, you two deserve each other, and you two belong to eachother, don't let anyone tell you other wise. Sasuke-nii-san, take care of Sakura and make her happy and open up more, you look better when you smile. Sakura, make sure Sasuke is never mean to you again and become a strong medic-nin, that way I'll have more of a chance to hear about you and your future life." Sasuke held onto Sakura to stop her tears soothing her with words when he knows nothing will be the same. Tenten finally stopped at Neji, "Hey there, don't look so down. Remember I know your song by hear, I will sing it to the wind and the birds, and they will deliver my thoughts to you. Think of me daily all right? Because I know I will think of you too. Carry on with life, and free yourself from you heritage, you and Hinata can make the Hyuuga clan right again." Neji looked at her with tearful eyes. Time was up, Tenten gave everyone a quick hug and stopped at Neji, she hugged him tightly and then kissed him with all the love she had to offer him, she stood back smiled and whispered, "I love you Hyuuga Neji, don't you ever forget that." And then she follows Rose back into the Palace slowly. The group stands there silently with Tenten's words fresh in their minds and slowly, and almost as if they regret to leave, they looked back at the closing gates one more time and began their journey home…
Chapter Preview:
"I'm going back to Kohona! Why?"
"The War is about to begin, your mother has decided to send you to them since you came from there Hime."
"This is wonderful! I'll see everyone again. Wait…Are you going to come too?"
"Of course, I'm the closest thing you have to a sister and besides, you mother wants me there to protect you. "
"Ohhh I will thank mother later, c'omn I want to practice now."
"Yes Hime."