Hi again. I'll be updating a bit more now, since my friend is on a holiday and we'll be taking a break from the novel for a while. Meanwhile, here is chapter 5 of Elements of Eien. -drum roll-

SO yeaaah… that's all.

All the males are older than the females by one year just to let you know.

Sakura sighed as she slipped on the trench coat. It was a pure charcoal black and the pockets hid many items of use to her like a pistol and daggers. She stood up and examined herself in the mirror. She was tired of going to that place once in a while just to let themselves off and get some alcohol which was hard purchasing, since they didn't have an ID. She left her room and sat on the kitchen table waiting for her other sisters. It was night time and the moon was fully out tonight, shining its beauty to the bottom of the river.

Sakura carefully inspected her clothes as she slipped on the ankle boots. She wore a simple black dress that hung tight to her skin, which ended just around her thigh. It was sleeveless one, with a collar and buttons. She also took along a scarf, just in case any of the males prowling around saw her tattoo.

Hinata came out, buckling her belt around her waist securely. She wore a black shiny skirt, with tights underneath and a spaghetti top was over her body. She too, took along a scarf and a black jacket that ended half way to her stomach. She was the timekeeper for this trip, so she brought along a silver pocket watch hidden in the inside her inner coat pocket.

Ino was out next, wearing a revealing skirt and a collared shirt. A fishnet full body outfit was inside, covering her legs and it revealed her stomach. A pair of golden bangles she stole from a jeweler was on her arms. She had no jacket, and wasn't afraid of the cold breeze outside either. She turned around to allow Hinata and Sakura examine her when Tenten slammed her door closed, who was wearing a black qipao with black slippers placed over her petite feet. The slits at her sides revealed her fine legs as well as the gold band she had kept around her leg for all these years.

"Stupid investigator… HE CAUGHT ME WHEN I WAS CHANGING!" She screamed, her face beet red. The other three stayed silent, until they burst out into laughter. Sakura was first to stop and finally said.

"Come on, we'll be late." They all headed out the door and saddled up their horses and rode off, disappearing into the darkness of the night.

---

Neji panted as he leant against the wall, his face turning into a bright red that was visible even in the night. He just saw her half naked. Now, he knew the reaction of her to him would defiantly change. He banged his head on the wall, muttering to himself how an idiot he was. But then remembered what clothes she was wearing. Seductive. They were sure to be some sort of assassins. He headed out to the campsite, the leaves around him billowing as he ran faster.

He stopped as the rest of his companions raised their heads in confusion.

"They're going somewhere tonight. They were wearing assassin like clothes." He said in between breathes, pointing on the road. All four of them ran out to the path to find fresh horse hooves.

"Damn, it's too late. Might as well get ready to get to that bar. I'm craving for some whisky." Sasuke said, rubbing his forehead as he thought he saw a glimpse of orange. An owl hooted in the night, its large amber eyes observing the group carefully. Naruto turned around, and instantly saw a grey blur flash before his eyes. He screamed in fright and hid behind Shikamaru. All three of them looked at him in confusion.

"I…I just…saw something!" He pointed in the spot where he saw the thing but nothing was visible in the night. Sasuke rolled his eyes and went into his tent to change.

"Naruto you must be dreaming. Nothing wonders around in the Beneyume forest. Only the four witches, who are likely to be the girls." Shikamaru said calmly, leaving Naruto outside.

The Kuro Tsumis went out, wearing smooth suits. Even though it was a bar, it was known for a place were many officials and high ranking people went to. As they all perfectly slipped on their outfits they mounted their horses and set out on the main pathway, unaware of the animals that lurked around them.

---

"Crowded like usual." Tenten said quietly, heading over to a table with her three sisters. She sat down on the red leather seat, sliding along it to allow Ino to sit beside her. The bartender nodded at them, the familiarity striking in between them again. Sakura called one of the waitresses and ordered four martinis. Even though they were still 17, they had gained the trust and friendship of the pub owner who was named Teuchi. He was fond of all of them, treating them like daughters. They too were also known with Ayame, his daughter who was also a waitress serving in the pub.

As Hinata looked around, she instantly spotted a 12 year old girl, sitting beside a man in a suit with a matching hat. He was smoking an expensive looking pipe and had pearl-lavender eyes. He sat at the bar, talking with Ayame while the girl sat on the chair, motionless as she observed the surroundings. It was a dimly lit room, with an aura of cautiousness around. There was the stage, complete with the grand piano and microphone (A/N: Remember this is olden days. Try to imagine.). Smoke was everywhere since the customers were either smoking pipes or cigars. The waitress, named Chiasa came back with their martinis and Sakura drank all of hers in one gulp. Ino sipped her quietly, before turning her head to the door to drop the glass in shock. Luckily Hinata secretly used her water manipulation to direct the beverage to pause in mid air and maintain it back in the glass.

"Oh my Kami. They're here too!" All four turned to the door and saw the four investigators. They didn't seem to notice them yet they went to the bar calmly and spoke quickly to the Teuchi. He nodded and pointed at a reserved table close to the stage. The detectives went and sat down, only to have girls crowd around them.

"What playboys." Ino muttered under her breath as she took another mouthful of the alcohol. Tenten glared as Neji wrapped his arms around two giggling girls while Hinata was keen on spying the man who had betrayed her. Sakura finished her eighth martini and staggered up.

"I'm going to sing." She slurred as she headed to Teuchi, catching the eye of Sasuke, who was slowly sipping his whisky. Teuchi nodded and smiled at her. The pink haired teen coolly walked up to the stage, suddenly sober once more and took the microphone. Hinata instantly knew what song she was going to sing and ran up the stage to take the piano. Tenten and Ino took either side by their friend and Hinata struck the first note.

Ki ni naru noni kikenai
Oyogitsukarete kimi made mukuchi ni naru

Sasuke sat up from his seat, immediately engrossed by the soft melody.

Aitai noni mienai nami ni osarete
Mata sukoshi tooku naru

Togirenai you ni
Keep it going baby

Onaji kimochi ja nai nara
Tell me muri wa shinai shugi demo
Sukoshi nara shite mitemo ii yo

As Sakura stopped to catch her breath, a tear trickled down her pale cheek, descending onto the floor silently. No one saw, seeing as they were too entranced with her angelic voice.


I wanna be with you now
Futari de distance chijimete
Ima nara maniau kara
We can start over
Hitotsu ni wa narenai

Ino and Tenten helped lift her voice higher as they backed her up.


I wanna be with you now
Itsu no hi ka distance mo
Dakishimerareru you ni nareru yo
We can start sooner
Yappari I wanna be with you

Tenten took the next verse, her hard voice now replaced with a sweet serene one.

Hitokoto de konna ni mo kizutsuku kimi wa
Kodoku wo oshiete kureru

Mamorenai toki keep on trying, baby
Yakusoku toori ja nai kedo trust me
Muri wa shinai shugi demo
Kimi to narashite mitemo ii yo

I wanna be with you now
Futari de distance mitsumete
Ima nara maniau kara
We can start over
Kotoba de tsutaetai

Ino's voice perfectly fit with the pitch of the piano as Hinata went higher into the treble. Shikamaru stared in wonder at the girl who was the cold girl he had talked to this afternoon.


I wanna be with you now
Sono uchi ni distance mo
Dakishimerareru you ni nareru yo
We should stay together
Yappari I need to be with you

As all three stopped, Hinata began her solo part, causing the crowd's eyes to widen at her marvelous skill. The Hyuuga head, Hiashi gazed at her intently, before lowering the hat over his eyes. He pulled his daughter to the door and left, banging the entrance. In the corner of her eye, Hinata saw him leave, causing her to press the wrong note. She easily regained her job and played her hardest. When she finished with the final chord, the audience applauded, with wolf whistles and cheers heard in the out roar. All four bowed and smiled cheekily before getting off the stage to allow Megumi, the usual singer to continue.

Sasuke smirked, watching as Sakura was soon crowded by the waitresses, accepting their praises. As they dispersed, Ino, Tenten and Hinata went back to the table while Sakura sat at the bar table, shoving down the shots that Teuchi slid to her. She smacked three gold coins and Teuchi gladly took them and placed them in the till, going off to serve the other customers. Sasuke smirked even wider, if that was possible and sat down beside her, asking for the same. She glared at him before returning to her shot.

"That was nice singing. Who was it sung to eh?" He asked, nudging her in the ribs. She glowered at him once again and slammed the tiny glass down.

"It's none of your business." Sakura replied shortly, before leaving, her short kimono flowing as she sat back down with her sisters. Her face was now crestfallen, as she talked with her friends and smiling weakly. Sasuke stared after her, as Naruto came up to him.

"Hey don't annoy them; they won't give as much now." He said, finishing his glass. He placed it beside Sakura's shot and walked off, to talk with Ayame who he was familiar with too.

---

Hinata silently pressed her back against the wall, avoiding the guards outside the premises. The guard passed her, oblivious of the teen that stood against the brick wall outside the Hyuuga residence. She rapidly signaled to Tenten using the fountain to make it bubble, while the brown haired girl sent a gust of wind to her, carrying maple leaves and pine needles. Sakura clicked her fingers, indicating the flicker of flames while Ino sent out a thunderstorm. It rumbled heavily above, sending the men on guard in fear. Hinata smiled at their antics and began gazing up at the grey sky, the heavens rumbling loudly. Slowly, rain began to fall, as water cascaded down with each bucketful drenching the iron wearing guards.

The indigo haired girl started slowly creeping into the closest window and slid in quietly. She quickly identified the girl; it was Hanabi. She went up close, the trail of water soaking the rich carpet and curtains. She gazed at her sister, not even knowing one single fact about her, since she had been abandoned because of her. She raised the knife above her head, and was about to plunge it into the girl's flesh. But something stopped her. As the lightning grew louder, she swiftly exited again, jumping from the two story building like a cat and landing on all fours. She sped to the back gate, easily slipping through and meeting with Tenten.

"Did you do it?" She asked quietly. Hinata shook her head and left to get Ino and Sakura, on the brink of telling them what had stopped her.

---

Neji knelt beside the fire, poking it with a branch. As thunder roared above him, he hastily went inside his tent and grabbed the raincoat, covering him as he put out the fire with a bucket of water. Sasuke came out of his, a black raincoat over his shoulders and sat down beside him. Suddenly, a growl came from behind them. The investigators jumped up at the sound, taking out their pistols. It was useless in the rain though, but all they could do was threaten the thing. They looked around, as Shikamaru and Naruto came out, holding pocket knives.

Abruptly, a flash of orange lunged for Neji. He cried out in fright while a flicker of grey passed out of the trees and aimed for Naruto. An owl hooted loudly, sending both Sasuke and Shikamaru shock whilst another blur headed for the campfire. It yowled heatedly. The two detectives backed away, before another shape appeared in front of them.

"Seems you've met Taiyou." Sakura's voice came from behind them. She was kneeling beside a black, orange and white tiger, stroking it gently as it purred like a cat. Its teeth were bared, the shiny pearl fangs glinting in the moonlight. Its golden eyes glared at Sasuke, reminding him of his own owner's stare.

"And Hoshi." The wolf growled from their right as Ino approached it with confidence. It stood by her side, its blended fur raised high, meaning its suspicion of the group. Its orange eyes inspected the area, staring hungrily at the pond.

"And Sora." Tenten had the lynx spread on her shoulder, as it hummed, licking her cheek. It was smaller than average, but nonetheless, it was large enough to look threatening. The pale brown fur was soaked in water from the rain and its tawny eyes blinked slowly. The rain that poured down didn't seem to affect them, as they were flooded in heaven's tears.

"And Tsuki." Hinata had the owl perched on her shoulder, a dead mouse in its beak. Its feathers had mottled black spots while the rest was pure white. It had bright amber eyes, which seemed to know everything that they thought. Naruto gulped, thinking that the owl represented her and the mouse was them.

Were they in their trap? Or were they toying with their fears?

Another chapter finished! Hope you enjoyed it.

JunsuiFushichou