A cell. No. A dungeon. Maybe a cellar. The walls were made of stone and dirt. The only light drifted in through a small window, just out of his reach. It was a source of warmth and comfort. The chains around his ankles and hands, were cold and hard, just like the man who would visit him. The man would spit in his face and talk to him with disgust. Loud and angry. He never knew why. He just laid in the straw with the thick wool blanket in the sun, soaking up as much as he could.

He lived in that darkness as early as he could remember. It was the norm, and he knew of nothing else.

Gaara laid curled up in the straw, pulling the blanket around him tighter. When he lived in the darkness, he was happiest because he did not know a better life existed. When he tried to reach for the light, he suffered. He looked up from his makeshift bed toward the light. Sitting in the light, just past the small window was Uzumaki.

Gaara's shackled hand reached out towards the light, reaching desperately for Uzumaki. Uzumaki smiled and reached back, his hand slipping through the bars, ready to take Gaara's hand.

It was close. Gaara could just grab it. It was right there. But he didn't take it.

Gaara pulled his hand back into the safety of the darkness, turning his eyes away. His hand quivered against his chest, shaken with fear.

Pathetic. The wall between Gaara and Uzumaki disappeared revealing a larger than life Seth with Uzumaki sitting in the palm of his hand. And unoriginal. What has this boy done to earn such loyalty and devotion besides sharing pretty words? Gods kill to earn such devote followers these days and yet a human has managed it, remaining unaware. Seth closed his hand, crushing Uzumaki and snuffing out the light. My brother must be enjoying my humiliation thanks to you.

Gaara sat up, his eyes lingering on Seth's fist, feeling the sense of loss tightening his chest. "Why are you bothering me now?" Gaara asked, exhausted.

You and I both know now that you are back home your time is limited. The least you can do is give me an interesting dream to watch. We chat so little.

Gaara sagged, slowly looking up to see the giant Seth staring down at him. "You never appear unless you want to torture me."

Now, now. A human-sized Seth appeared behind him, the larger version turning to sand. Seth was barely a hair width away. Gaara could feel the heat radiating off his naked torso. It was as hot as the heat of the desert sun. Just because I cause chaos, does not mean that is all I do. I am just sick and tired of seeing that blond-haired fox boy showing up in your dreams. Seth leaned his face in next to Gaara's ear, his hands resting on Gaara's shoulder. Why not instead dream of him?

The sand swirled from the ground up, rising and taking shape of Hyuuga.

Now that's someone who deserves your loyalty. He traveled halfway around the world for you even gave up the money he saved to escape his family for you. Even got on his knees for you. Seth smiled against his ear. He practically offered himself on a silver platter. Why don't you partake?

Gaara yanked away from Seth's grip and stepping away. "Uzumaki's the only reason I'm not feral, no thanks to you, and Hyuuga has betrayed me twice now. He can't be trusted."

And Uzumaki escaped while you were left behind. Seth countered. He walked around Gaara still keeping alarmingly close as he walked in front of Gaara and keeping the space between them limited. Even you admit that Hyuuga's actions were normal. He is human after all. How can a human even begin to comprehend our troubles? Should you not praise him for going beyond what a normal human would? He came back, giving you his everything. His money. His pride. His health. Seth caressed his cheek. I know you noticed how much he's weakened. How can you not? You're a predator. His thumb ran over Gaara's skin. He was exhausted and nearly at his limits. I bet he didn't eat either, thinking of nothing but gaining your forgiveness and attention for his crime.

"As you said, Hyuuga is a normal human. He did nothing wrong." He stepped away from Seth's touch.

Seth did not approve, grabbing Gaara and pulling him flesh against him. His grip was as strong as steel, not budging against Gaara's attempts to escape him. And yet you couldn't help but be so happy that he came for you, and he smelled so sweet with the adrenaline running through his veins. And then he submitted himself to your judgment . He basically gave you permission to do what you wanted to him. His tongue ran suggestively against his lips. He's just down the hall, completely defenseless. Why don't you make him yours?

Gaara ceased struggling, sending a cold glare to Seth. "I'm not you. I refuse to take his chakra anymore."

His smile pulled back, revealing his row of sharpened doglike teeth. Is that how you take that statement? Are you sure you are a teenage boy?

"What do you mean?"

Seth laughed darkly. He brought his head to Gaara, pressing his forehead against Gaara's, their noses touching. I think I know what gift I will bestow you the next time we meet. Dying without reaching puberty at your age is too much of a tragedy even for me to witness.

"Like you actually care. Stay out of my dreams and my head."

Normally Gaara's rude behavior would bring the lord to anger. Instead, Seth seemed even more delighted showing more of his pearly whites. Then by all means. Let me return you to your daily nightmares.

Gaara was blinded by a bright overhead light, burning his retinas and forcing him to close his eyes. Blinking as his eyes adjusted, his surroundings came into view. The bright fluorescent lights overhead, white walls, and the smell of sterilization assaulted Gaara's senses, and Seth's scorching touch was replaced with cold, bony hands.

"Gaara-chan," the man sang, pulling Gaara closer. Horror and terror seized Gaara, locking his body into place. His breaths grew short until they were pants. Gaara couldn't breathe, hyperventilating. He couldn't work up the strength to fight against the hands pushing him onto an examination table. His body just complied with the man's wishes. His mind screamed in protest, but no one could hear him. No one ever heard him.

One by one his limbs were secured to the table and tears and snot dribbled down his face. His eyes searched frantically for someone to save him. He knew no one would come. For 12 years, no one came for him. Why would they come now?

"I have great hopes for you, Gaara-chan," the man, continued to sing, holding a tube Gaara knew would be forced down his throat.

No. He couldn't do this again. He just couldn't. Anyone. Anyone, save him from this nightmare.

His remaining limb flung out hoping to seek out something, anything, to save him when a warm hand grasped his.

Tilting his head, he searched for his savior, holding onto that hand for dear life, pulling whoever owned it towards him so he could see.

Hyuuga came into his view, holding Gaara's hand with both of his, shushing him softly to calm him. "It's okay," Hyuuga whispered. He held Gaara's gaze with his own, using one hand to release Gaara's other arm. Gaara sat up, clutching onto Hyuuga so tightly it would crush a normal human's ribs. Hyuuga cradled him and stroked his hair with a gentle touch Gaara wasn't familiar with. The tender touch offered peace and safety, blocking the nightmare as long as he stayed with Hyuuga's embrace.

The promise of safety kept Gaara in Hyuuga's arms too afraid to even see glimpses of the medical room he was in to release his legs from their shackles.

That's right, Seth's voice whispered, its sound fleeting like the wind, just barely touching Gaara's rattled mind. Remember that Hyuuga offers safety. Only he can keep your nightmares at bay. Seth's hand stroked the back of Gaara's head in Hyuuga's place. If you leave his embrace, only horror awaits you.


Neji woke up feeling refreshed. It was only five hours of sleep, but it was deep and undisturbed. It was more than he had in a while. He didn't get out of bed right away. Shortly after waking, the memories of everything that had happened until now weighed down on shoulders. He ran his hands over his face, sighing heavily then he stopped and sat up.

This wasn't the time to start feeling pity for himself again. He bought himself time here. He had apologized. He did what he came to do. Now, it was time to figure out where to go from here.

He got out of bed, feeling how tight and stiff his muscles were becoming from the lack of practice. Since the ban, it felt like a stone was always present in his stomach, heavy and uncomfortable. Escaping to this new country, he was no longer bound to his uncle's rules. He could practice again.

The chance to practice was already poking at him to find a spot and get moving. He had to remind himself that it wasn't his house, but he couldn't deny the excitement to get started once again.

He padded across the room in his socks, noting he'd have to find some new clothes. Finding a washrag and towel in the dresser, he left the room in hopes he could get a shower even if he had to wear the clothes again. It occurred to him far too late that he probably did not smell all that great when he had arrived, having worn the same clothes for multiple days now and wandering for countless hours outside. His impression had probably been terrible.

He stepped outside the room, taking a better look around the house now that he was less focused than the night prior. It was clean but barren. The smell of a new house still lingered, and while there was furniture, there were few pictures or decorative items. In short, it was very minimalistic and held no personality. It reminded him a lot of Gaara's apartment. Speaking of Gaara—

He looked towards Gaara's room, feeling the urge to see him. Just a peek. Did he sleep well? Did he have another nightmare?

As Neji approached the bathroom, he was approaching Gaara's room as well, his eyes drawing to the door and lingering. He was just concerned because he didn't know Gaara's intentions, he told himself. He still had to take precautions even if he was going to give Gaara a chance to prove he wasn't dangerous. However, fear was absent to justify his reasoning. It was closely akin to longing, wanting to see him again. When the doorknob turned to Gaara's room, he stopped a few steps away from the bathroom. He was filled with disappointment at the brother who had emerged rather than the subject of his thoughts.

The brother was dressed in a suit even in the ungodly hours of the early morning, and his face was still hostile and disapproving. The smell of incense clung strongly to him as he exited the room, and in his hands, he held a crystal bottle filled with some sort of amber liquid.

"You're still here," the brother said in English with obvious disdain. His English was near perfect with only the slightest hint of an accent.

Neji wasn't sure whether he was meant to respond. It sounded like it was meant to be an under the breath insult, banking on Neji not being unable to understand English. His pride wanted him to retort but pissing off his host wasn't on his agenda either.

"Something else the shinobi fails at. They can't even teach English right." The brother closed Gaara's door behind him.

"I can speak English," Neji replied. "It's required by the school and many American schools if you want to study abroad. I scored 630 on the TOEFL."

"Aren't you smart," the man said dryly. Neji had been proud of his score and many of his classmates envied it, but the sense of sarcasm that came from the man undermined Neji's sense of accomplishment with one word. "Is it that confidence and surety that lets you stay at another person's home without being invited unabashedly."

Neji did not know what "unabashedly" meant, but he understood the sentiment. "I came here to understand Gaara better. Nothing more or less."

"Do you think someone like you has the capability to understand the intricacies of the hunter world without getting involved?"

"I want to try."

The brother's lip twitched. "Really, and what do you plan to do once you know? Do you plan to be on his side? Fight him? Or pretend you never knew him?"

Lost for an answer, Neji didn't respond. He hadn't thought that far yet, and this person knew it.

"Do you even know how dangerous my brother is? How many he's killed? How likely you are to die if you stay near him?"

Neji's lips thinned. It wasn't like it hadn't crossed his mind. He had just tried not to think about it too much. He was afraid he would lose his courage if he had. "If I do get in trouble and am killed, how does that concern you?"

"And here I thought the Japanese were polite." The brother turned his body towards Neji and took a single step forward. When his foot made contact with the ground, Neji couldn't breathe. A pressure, like a pair of large hands, wrapped around his torso, squeezing until his ribs threatened to crack. Neji didn't dare move, forcing himself to keep calm as he kept his gaze steady with Gaara's brother.

"Every person here is a hunter with a wide range of abilities that can subdue the toughest of vampires. If you cause any trouble, whether intentional or out of ignorance, we will intervene, and you will never see your home again. Clear?"

"Very," he gasped. Talking put additional strain on his ribs, making the invisible force tighten further.

He was instantaneously released at the sound of something crashing and breaking inside Gaara's room. Gaara's brother jerked his attention to the door. Exhaling sharply, he quickly walked down the hall, putting distance between the door and himself as quickly as possible.

Neji was left standing confused at the sudden departure when the door opened and a jar full of liquid whizzed past his face, shattering on the wall next to his head. A shard bounced off the wall, cutting his cheek in the process.

Gaara rushed out the room next, facing the way his brother had retreated, stopping just outside the door. "Stop leaving that shit in my room!"

Neji stood stunned at Gaara's behavior, so much so, he hadn't even noticed the cut on his face.

Gaara turned around irritated, pausing at the sight of Neji, then locking onto the blood. "Sorry. I'll get you a bandage," his tone became instantly subdued as he averted his gaze.

Using the back of his hand, Neji brushed the blood away. "It's no big deal. It'll stop bleeding soon."

"It's not for you." The words were said under his breath, but Neji heard them clearly.

Realization as to why Gaara needed to get a bandage hit him at the reminder. He was being careless again. He was supposed to be wary of Gaara, yet he found himself forgetting that fact at odd times. He didn't know if that was a good or bad thing, but he should be more mindful of that fact.

Waiting awkwardly in that hall for Gaara to return, he racked his mind for a way to talk to extend his interaction with Gaara. He had a lot of questions; many he wasn't even sure where to start. He couldn't ask them right away, and he knew that, but there had to be a way to break the ice between them again.

One thought came to mind, and it made the corner of his lips turn down in distaste. He didn't like the idea, but it was a safe topic and easy to segway to. The trick was getting Gaara to stay long enough to breach the subject naturally.

Gaara reemerged holding band-aid between his fingers. He held it out for Neji to take, still avoiding direct eye contact.

Neji took the band-aid slowly, their fingers brushing in the process. Gaara drew his hand away quickly. "If you need anything, there are servants around. Ask them, and they'll help you," Gaara said quickly, barely above a mutter.

Gaara's retreat was already in motion. He was pulling away, a foot already through the threshold to Gaara's bedroom, so Neji asked the first thing that came to mind to stall, "Is there a place for me to train? I don't want to cause any more problems than I already have."

Gaara stopped in his escape to answer, but it wouldn't last long. "The backyard is small, but it should be enough room for your martial arts style." Already, Gaara was trying to pull away before he even finished speaking, his body pulling back and his hand reaching for the door.

"Will you watch me? Just to give me feedback" The request was out of nowhere. It didn't even make much sense. It wasn't like Gaara knew the details of the Hyuuga martial art style. He was kind of hoping Gaara looked over that detail as they had trained together before.

Gaara was thinking. He didn't answer right away, and he was keeping his face intentionally neutral with visible effort when he would slip. He wanted to say no, but something was keeping him from refusing Neji's request.

"You don't even have to give me feedback or even say anything. Being out of the country so suddenly and not really having anywhere to go…I just don't want to be alone right now, and you're the only thing familiar right now," Neji tampered off, his eyes drifting away from Gaara as he spoke. It pained him to admit how truthful his words were. Nevertheless, it had the desired effect. Insinuating that Gaara was his last choice removed the roadblock that kept Gaara from accepting.

"If it's only for a couple of minutes," he said with the slightest hint of reluctance.

Thrilled with his success, Neji gave Gaara a small smile. "Let me take a quick shower. I'll be downstairs in 15 minutes."

Gaara nodded then closed the door to his room.

Neji counted himself lucky that it went so smoothly. For a moment, he was worried Gaara would still say no. The smile didn't leave his lips even as he entered the bathroom. He prevented Gaara from avoiding him. That in itself was a victory. He couldn't learn more about Gaara if Gaara was dodging him at every turn. It was a chance to get back in his good graces.

Smiling a little wider, he turned on the water.


Things had become complicated. Much more complicated than he had anticipated. Hiashi could not have predicted his nephew's sudden departure. Neji had always been rebellious. He had thought of it as a phase, but this time, it truly had become a problem. Namely, because Neji had approached Uchiha in school in front of the younger hunters and had left with him in front of them.

Truly, it was his daughter's fault. She had not taken the necessary precautions nor made certain things a priority, leaving Neji to his own devices. A youthful mistake, but one that could have deadly consequences. Furthermore, it was reflecting very poorly onto him. That could also be deadly in another sense.

Hiashi sat in his office, sitting in the seiza position at his desk, brush in hand. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, centering himself both mentally and physically before he opened them again, dipped the tip of the brush into the ink. With his left hand, he held the sleeve of his writing hand out of the way and he began to write on the parchment.

Yes, there were more modern ways of writing a letter, but tradition was there for a reason. Year by year, tradition faded. He would probably be the last head to do things like this. He tried to teach the values of tradition to Hinata, but he knew even when he started her training that most of those traditions would be lost as well. The world had changed so much in the past 50 years even within the world of the hunters. New traditions were being made, and the purpose of the old was being lost and seen as irrelevant. He was uncertain of where things would go once he stepped down as head, but he would at least keep the traditions alive within him until his passing whether that be old age or on the battlefield.

He wrote the letter, wording it very carefully as he did so. He paused only for a moment then continued writing, "Can I do something for you, Elder Danzo?" he asked not looking up from his letter.

The sliding door opened, and the elder entered. He was dressed in a suit so he must have just come from the mainland to take care of business. Danzo directed the police from the shadows, keeping hunter activity hidden from the civilian world by manipulating investigations and deployment of officers. He was essential to ensure operations went well and under public notice. Due to that power and authority, Danzo held the most power out of the three Elders, and his influence rivaled Tsunade's position.

"You are as sharp as ever, Hyuuga-san. I am not surprised you still take missions even at your age." The elder took a seat in front of Hiashi's desk, sitting with his legs crossed and setting his cane beside him. "How are you?"

Hiashi placed his brush down and touched the corner of the page, injecting chakra into the paper. The ink promptly turned invisible to the naked eye. "Forgive my rudeness, Elder Danzo, but right now is a very inconvenient time for me. Is there something I can help you with?"

"I truly came to see how you were doing, Hyuuga-san. I heard about how Neji-kun has turned traitor." Danzo sounded empathetic, fatherly even, but alarm shot through Hiashi.

With skill, Hiashi did not let that alarm show on his face. It was a skill every hunter knew. From supernatural beings to malicious humans, showing only the emotion you wanted others to see was essential to surviving. The best strategy was to stay stoic and keep your opponent guessing, something Hiashi employed nearly every waking moment, friend or foe. "My nephew has merely left the country to study. He will be back soon."

"Is that what you are telling the others? Surely, you do not think they will believe that. Every young hunter knows that he left with Uchiha yesterday and that he went to see that Medjay child."

"And does that make him a traitor?" Hiashi asked, folding his hands. "He has not renounced the clan, he has not been bitten from what we know, and the medjay are allies, even if just barely. He knows of our world now, how he deals and chooses to experience it is for every hunter to decide."

"He did not go to see the medjay, but the demon child. Rumors about them are spreading. You know that Seth is one of the most aggressive vampire lords. That child has shown that instability, attacking and killing others as he pleases. Your nephew has seen this firsthand and yet he still chooses to be by that demon's side than his clan. How does that reflect on you, Hyuuga-san, if you defend his actions?"

Hiashi was quiet, calculating what should and should not be said. He met Danzo's eyes and replied evenly, "It is true that Gaara is dangerous, but we also know Gaara's intentions and his habits. The same cannot be said for our own comrades. We have been compromised, memories and reports altered. There is nothing more dangerous than a snake in the grass. I do not defend Neji's actions. They are his actions to take, always has been, but I believe he is safer there with the wild tiger that has been restrained than letting him walk in the grass unknowing where the snake lies."

The elder smiled at him, though it was only out of politeness. "I respect your view, but I must disagree. There is no guarantee that Neji-kun has not switched sides, and that makes him dangerous. Others will think so as well. This will put your position in jeopardy if you do not take a more firm stance against his actions. You are aware of this, are you not, Hyuuga-san." For once, Hiashi sensed true sympathy and warning from the elder and not shallow words. As cunning as Danzo was, Hiashi knew for certain that the old man cared for the shinobi. It was all he cared about.

"I will protect my brother's dying wish," Hiashi responded.

Danzo sighed, and for a moment, he showed his age, looking very tired until his eyes once again sharpened, and the smile returned. "Very well. It is only fair that I warn you that I will be using everything against you Hyuuga-san. I had hoped you would be an ally, but I can see that is not the case. I will attack you with everything I have, including this incident."

"I am prepared for that," Hiashi replied. "You must do what you must for the shinobi as I must do what I must for my clan." There was a moment of silence between them, letting that declaration of war simmer. "Is there anything else, I can help you with?"

Danzo stood, standing with a little difficulty "No, that is all, Hyuuga-san. I thank you for taking time to see this old man. Could I happen to bother you for a cup of tea before I go? I had declined earlier but have suddenly found myself parched."

Rolling up the parchment, Hiashi stood as well. "I will make sure it is prepared and brought to you immediately."

Danzo nodded his head approvingly, making his way out of the office, with Hiashi following directly behind him.