A/N: Guys, I am so sorry for the very very late update. I had so many things to do and so I had no time to finish the chapter very fast. There's no lemon but this is will enlighten the story a bit. So here it is... Chapter six of Long Lost Fate. Enjoy!

Autumn

Chapter 6

Neji and I waited for Hinata at the gate of Konoha. It's 2:50am. Ten more minutes. The Hyuuga boy is still in a deep thought when I reached under his back shirt. He flinched at my sudden touch. I wrapped myself to him at the front now that both of my hands were inside his back shirt. We're silent for a minute, aware that the two guards at the station were on their 30 minute break. We couldn't use our teleportation techniques because of the invisible barrier that the Kages set on every gate of every country. The only way is to open the gate. But of course, we won't be opening the gate because it would cause the alarm to set off. So how did Shikamaru escaped from this security?

"He used a binding technique that causes the barrier to weaken and to transfer the chakra to the body then teleport outside the barrier." Neji said when I asked him how the moron Shikamaru sabotaged the gate's barrier. This secret technique was only known by the Sannins of Konoha, Naruto, Neji and Shikamaru. Of course Tsunade-sama taught the technique to them. "It won't work if you're 15 meters away from the barrier. It's clever that you're meeting Hinata at the guards break." Well, I know that the guards take a break at that time that's why I told Hinata to meet me at this time but after that I don't know how to surpass the barrier.

"Tsunade-sama didn't give me details, like what to say to the guards, which is a bad idea or how to open the gate without sending off the alarm, or how to dispel the barrier."I said. Neji thought about that.

"That means Tsunade-sama didn't want you to go." I scrunched my nose at his statement. Maybe the Hokage was having second thoughts on this but it's too late now. "You know this is hard for me, worrying about the two of you."

"I'm sorry." I snaked my hands up his back and kiss him on the chin.

"You can do that all day if you back out now." I heard Tsunade-sama's voice behind us, Hinata following her. "I assume you tell her how to dispel the barrier." she said talking to Neji.

"Yes. Hokage-sama." answered Neji. She sighed. I looked at Hinata, she looked upset.

"Hinata-chan, is something wrong?" she snapped from her revere when I asked her.

"No... I'm… I'm alright."

"Then you two get ready. Neji will weaken the barrier then you two teleport to the other side. Be sure to never leave a trail. Jump on trees as much as possible. When you reach Suna, the Kazekage's right hand, Houki, would be waiting for you. You would get Shikamaru and get the hell out of there by dusk today." Tsunade-sama said. I looked at Neji. He looks passive but his Hyuuga eyes shone with worry. I smiled reassuringly at him.

"What if something goes wrong?" Neji asked Tsunade. The blonde sighed.

"If something goes wrong then I can't do anything about it." If we were caught by the ninja council then hell would break loose.

"I think we should get started, the guards were finished eating." Hinata said, she activated her byakugan and looking at the cabin where the guards took their snack. Neji sealed a technique with his hands and in a puff, a red regular sized scroll appeared. He spread it on the ground and he looked at me. I just stared at him. I might never see him again, this beautiful man, my Hyuuga.

"Get ready, the binding would take only seconds to weaken the barrier." I heard Tsunade-sama said. I can end this now. I can be with Neji but I know I would forever regret it. I closed my eyes, fighting the tears. I backed from Neji and nodded my head to him before saying, "I love you" in a whisper. He smiled and said,

"You promised, ok?"

"Yeah. Promise." he kneeled in front of the scroll, sealed a technique, put his hand atop the scroll and I see faint wave of chakra flowing from the gate to the scroll.

"Now." Hinata and I sealed a teleportation jutsu and we're on the other side of the gate. I looked at the grim colored gate and at the other side of it is my man. I sighed.

"We must go, Ten-chan." I'm still looking at the gate where the chakra wave is currently dispersing.

"Yeah."

We continue on our journey to Suna, leaving no trail on the ground even on the trees. Hinata was keeping her byakugan open so that we would know if someone is around. But she's deactivating it for 5 minutes every hour to sustain her chakra. We travelled 2 and a half hours and no incident occurred.

I saw Houki at the gate waiting for us. I waved at him. We've been together once in a mission. He's a nice guy with that always smiling face. But this gray haired, 5 foot 2 inches guy is as tenacious as any serial killer. He can kill whenever he wants and he's as loyal as a dog to his master that's why Gaara chose him to be his right hand. He's two years younger than me.

"Houki." I punched his small but strong shoulder jokingly.

"Hey Ten-chan." I introduced him to Hinata then we're heading to the west side of the gate where a minimal grass and trees grow. There's a small round metal on the ground hidden under a mass of damp brown-green grass. Houki sealed a technique then he lifted the metal that leads to a dark passage. He kneeled and reached beneath the first stair. Then he was holding a match box. "Let's go." he said. He proceeded to make his way in the dark passage. Hinata and I follow suit. "Please close the lid." I reached for the metal handle under the circular lid then everything is pitched black. The walls is somewhat suffocating and the smell of the earth is overpowering. I heard the clicking of the match with the friction of its box. Then a hiss. The passage brightened with the soft glow of the gas lamp. The underground tunnel walls are bricks and made of sand.

"Where does this passage lead?" Hinata asked.

"It leads to the Kage's chamber floor." Then it hit me.

"How did Shikamaru pass through your gates? It doesn't have the same binding technique that we have, right?" Houki smiled at my question.

"I helped him get through the gates." Why? Did he bribe him? Threaten him? Of what? Houki is not that stupid to be threatened. He could kill Shikamaru without a trace if the moron threatens him. I don't think Shikamaru is stupid enough to do that. Bribing is not an option. Houki will never accept things or money if it would cost Gaara's reputation.

"But why?" Hinata said. "It's like helping a refugee escaped. It would also cost your head."

"I know that. That's why Gaara-sama is helping Shikamaru too, because he wants to spare my head and save the relationship between Konoha and Suna." I can't understand how that happened.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I helped Shikamaru 'cause I thought it was Gaara-sama's order." Oh no. "He fooled me and so was Gaara-sama."

"And so that can be your offense as a stupid servant of a Kage..." I trailed. I can't even translate through words what Shikamaru did. I thought it was just a simple thing to escape your own country and do selfish things but then it has more to it. He's so stupid I want to kill him now.

"And so it was Shikamaru-kun's offense for fooling the Kazekage and so as a betrayal of Konoha to Suna." Hinata continued. I was stunned at how stupid Shikamaru could be. This is a big offense. I thought his offense was just that he disobeyed the cease fire contract. But no! He dragged Houki into it and fooled Gaara, enough to put his head into a plate served to all the countries.

"But Gaara-sama knows that in Shikamaru's stupidity is his love for his sister." Houki said, remaining silent for a minute, making the whole corridor suffocating. All we hear is our footsteps. "And so Gaara-sama decided to cover everything up, risking his title as a Kage for Shikamaru." and we risking everything for him and Tsunade-sama risking Konoha's peace. Maybe this is something more than that, something more than love. Shikamaru is risking his life, Konoha, a peace, Suna and the Kages for Temari. The girl is Shikamaru's life. He can't live without her. And he's ready to die for her, just to see her.

"How did he... ahh.. do it? I mean, how did he fool you?" I asked Houki. He remained silent for a while.

"He sent a telegram for me to let him in 2 days ago via courier. He said that Gaara approved it and I don't need to worry no more. Then I tried to confirm it to Gaara-sama but he was busy reviewing what happened to Temari-sama's last mission and so I just trusted Shikamaru but then..." Houki looked ahead the dark passage. I can smell the killing intent in his aura now. He must be so upset but then just let it go because Gaara told him so. "You know Ten-chan, I could kill Shikamaru in this passage that time. We were walking here when he told me that he just needed to see Temari-sama and he has no authorization to go here." Hinata and I were silent. I can sense Houki's grudge towards this thing. He was fooled and as a royal guard that is a total shame on your part. "This passage is my summoned lizard's stomach. I can melt him with my lizard's acid and no evidence would be left on his death but then... But then I remember Temari-sama's face..." Houki trailed. The grey-hair boy was engulfed with sudden melancholy that I can feel it in the pit of my stomach.

"That is also why we wanted to help Shikamaru." I said. "So that we won't be giving Temari-chan another heartache." Houki nodded. Then he turned and bowed.

"Thank you so much for taking concern on Temari-sama's condition."

We smiled at him then Hinata said,

"Konoha and Suna are friends then so are we."

We reached the Kage's chamber after a little more walks. Houki sealed a technique as we near the stair. A small portion of the tunnel's ceiling opened. The sand bleached walls of the chamber floor arising as we ascend the stairs. I inhaled fresh open air when my feet took the upper ground. We followed Houki down a corridor leading to the Kage's office. He knocked once then he said,

"Gaara-sama they're here."

"Come in."

We walked inside the sand covered walls of the office. The Kazekage's eye is as cold as ever. No emotions bearing from it.

"So, the Hokage chose both of you for a very dangerous mission."

"Hai." We answered in unison. Gaara was sitting on his desk looking as stoic as ever.

"Shikamaru is as always clever in many ways." we remained silent for him to continue. "But then he's stupid when it comes with my sister..." I just nodded my head. "And so he'd done stupid things."

"We're here to drag him out of your country Kazekage-sama." I said and he just stared out of the window. The office windows over-looking the Sand village, structures made of sands and beautiful stone-formed hedge is what this country's greatest assets. Unlike Konoha's green luscious soil, Suna has the dry sand-covered soil. Letting out a sigh he said,

"Please do so."

We were lead by Houki to Temari's room where Shikamaru is staying. We walked the sand bleached walls and as we ascend the stairs, we saw Shikamaru closing a door. Then I don't know what happened to me but my rage fogged my mind and I don't know what that dazed moment have done in me. After a second I realized that I was in Hinata's strong grip and Houki was helping Shikamaru to stand up. The Shadow master has a bruise on his left cheek and a few scratches on his brow. He looked me in the eye and I realized that I'm the one who punched him. Maybe I'm a bit crazy because of the things that are happening around me. With Neji being so worried and I being so worried about a friend and our country being in the midst of a conspiracy and Suna having so much trouble because of this guy and I mean, I just needed to punch him to cool some steam, right? That annoying eyes is still looking at me. Really? How did Temari fall in love with his fuckin' eyes? It has this icky annoying feeling that is the opposite of Neji's cool and beautiful cold eyes. Shikamaru shrugged Houki's grip on his upper arms. What, you going to fight me back? Bring it on fuck face! But to my shock… to my shock… he bowed. He fuckin' bowed, I mean, the full head bow with his face on the floor above his hands.

"I am so sorry for I've caused a lot of trouble." I don't know but my heart melted and everything just... it just focuses and I can see that this guy really can do anything for the one he loves. I can feel Hinata's grip softens when my whole body relaxes.

"It's okay now Shikamaru-kun." Hinata's soothing voice said and Shikamaru raises his head and stood up.

"What is going on?" Temari emerges from the room that Shikamaru closed a while ago. Her hair was down from its usually 4-tie pony tail. Her eyes pale and has this dark circles underneath. I can't see her full body because she's just leaning by the open door.

"You shouldn't be standing." Shikamaru scolded. He carried her princess-style towards the room again.

"Who's there?" I can hear Temari said. I looked at Houki and he nodded.

"A few of your visitors." Houki answered Temari as we emerged the room. I took one look at Temari in her bed where she was laid by her boyfriend and I was filled with sudden rage. What the fuck those spies motive on doing such a thing?

"Ten-ten..." the blonde said with that weak voice that is annoying my ears. She's always full of life but now… now… I can't speak and so as Hinata. She's speechless and stunned too by the wreck that we are witnessing right now. Temari seated on the brown plain bed with some bandage rolled on her head, her weak eyes unfocused and we are yet to see the real pain that makes my knees grow weak while advancing to her. She's wearing a black kimono. I can see her right hand clenched on her lap and the left sleeves of her kimono dangling on her sides.

"Ten-ten please don't make that funny face. Your... your..." her weak smile vanished as I stand in front of her. Those pale dead eyes regarding me.

"Let me see." her unfocused eyes became bigger and panic is engulfing her. Shikamaru saw that and he tried to pry me off in front of her girlfriend but then Temari begun to untie the white sash in front of her. The kimono dropped on her sides. I can hear Hinata's loud gasp and I don't know what to do when I saw that ugly color bandage that is almost reaching her shoulders. Her upper arm is not completely cut off but it's halfway there. The blood stained bandage is uglier than Negi's bruise. It's making my stomach turn upside down.

"It was not almost reaching my shoulder when the explosion happened but then they need to cut most of the flesh that was dangling on my upper arm." she said with no emotion in her voice.

"The medics said that an infection may occur if it was not cut because the explosives' powder caught by her flesh." Houki explained. I can't believe what I am seeing right now. Temari with no glow, her usual wicked remarks, her cursing, her beauty, it was all lost to oblivion. I feel sick that I want to see Neji and just buried my face in his strong chest but no… no… I need to be strong.

"Look at her breasts so that you don't throw up. They're beautiful after all." Shikamaru said. And we really looked at it, her nipples a shade of light brown and her breasts so ripe that every girl would be so envy of her. I saw Houki blushed and he looked away. I smiled at him.

"You're blushing little boy." I tease him.

"No! It's not that. I am not… I am not looking…" he blushed more. Shikamaru laughed.

"It's effective right? That's what I do." the moron said. I looked at Temari and somehow, there's that instant flicker of light in her eyes. Maybe, somewhat or somehow, the shadow master moron's presence made her glad. I smiled at Shikamaru and said,

"Alright. I forgive you, baka."

When the sun rose, we visited Kankuro in the ICU. Houki said that the puppet master had an infection around his limbs and he's still in critical condition. At around noon, Temari had her check up by a local medic ninja. Hinata and I help her on changing Temari's bandage. Shikamaru and Houki leave us girls to have our time. I've learn that there's only a few chosen people who knew about the incident. The family of those shinobis that were killed was given compensation. Shinobis who knew about the incident were told that the three ninja's from Konoha were also killed. If the shinobis from Suna learned that those ninjas were spies and Neji didn't lose a limb, they might question the whole mission with their casualties and they could form a rebellion against Konoha. The Kazekage doesn't want that. This might be something but unless this problem wasn't tackle between the two kages, Gaara wasn't assuming anything. Suna is in a brink of despair today. Losing two prominent ninjas is a disaster. I wonder who's behind all of this and what's their goal? What's their gain? Being in war isn't beneficial at all. Countries closed for trades, travel and security. No one's rich, no one's poor, all is at stake, and all is aiming to survive, so why is this happening.

"What's bugging you Ten-ten?" Temari asked. I smiled at her. I was peeling apples for her.

"Nothing, I was just thinking about Neji." I lied.

"Hmmm..." she looked at the setting sun. I followed her eyes. I didn't know it was dusk already. Time passes and it didn't care to wait for anyone. Hinata is currently combing Temari's hair.

"You really have a beautiful hair Temari-chan." Hinata said and Temari laughed at her compliment.

"Since I was a kid I had that frizzy dry hair and it worsens through time because of the sand stained wind. I always had a hard time cleaning my hair that's why I don't grow it that long."

"But really, they're shinny and beautiful, just need a proper care."

"It's really hard to accept a compliment from you Hinata-chan. With your long super straight hair, you don't even need to tie them." I told her. She blushes a shade of pink.

"I'm sorry." she said and we laughed at her sudden embarrassment. I've finish peeling the apples and was to shove a slice into Temari's mouth when she looked at me with a funny expression. Is that despair? Disappointment? Rage? I don't know.

"Why Temari-chan? Is there something wrong?" I asked. She just smiled. Hinata is silent, I can feel Temari shaking and I know Hinata can feel it too. But she continued on brushing her hair.

"Now... now, I can't even peel an apple." the sorrow in her eyes is evident and clearer than water. "I might not be able to tie my hair too." Now Hinata stopped her ministrations. Then Temari looked at me with those painful eyes that I can feel it piercing my heart. She's a shinobi. She needed her hand. Everyone does. I don't know what to do. I can't do anything for her. That eyes which scares people is now full of fear and despair. "Now, I'm just a useless bitch." the sound of her voice made Hinata jerk a little. It's full of contempt and it feels like... it feels like she's blaming somebody. I put the apples in the nearby table. I reached for her hand and grip it like crazy. I looked at her like I was going to punch her but then I smiled.

"You're a crazy bitch but you are not fuckin' useless." I said in a very low voice. Temari looked at me like I've aged so much, her eyes watering now. Is she crying? Fuckin' tough Temari crying? But then she smiled and laughed like crazy. Hinata is a bit shocked from what is happening around her. And now, I am the one who was stunned in shock. Temari is laughing with big tears dropping from her eyes turning her laughter into sobs and gasps. Before I knew it she is crying so much and Hinata is embracing her neck from behind and all I can do is look at her. No. She's not useless. She lost an arm during a mission. It's heroic. I'm the one who's useless. I can't even help her. She's a best friend. And I CAN'T FUCKIN' HELP HER.

"Sorry... I'm so sorry..." she said between sobs. I was still holding her shaking hand. "Because of me, you've done all of this." Hinata's hold tightens a bit.

"No. No. I am grateful that we can help. You don't need to be sorry Temari-chan." Hinata said. Temari's sobs lighten.

"I know what that crazy moron did and it might kill him but then... but then I might have killed myself if Shikamaru didn't show up. That is why... I'm so sorry. I've been selfish all this time. I can't live without him… and… and… I'm… I…" I was silent and Hinata was also crying now. So Shikamaru's idiocy benefited her. Awesome and earlier I want to kill the fuckoo. That's when the idea crosses my mind. And so I smiled at her and said,

"Yoshi. Cheer up and don't lose hope. I have an idea." flashing my all white teeth to the two confused shinobis.

A/N: So that's it. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Please review. I really need to know your thoughts and your insights and whatever it is that is bugging you. Thank you. I wish I could update very soon. Thank you for reading. Please review.