Chapter 36: Something Is Here

Demon Country, Shrine 12:00 am

She sat in the circle, eyes closed hiding aqua irises. Hands folded together, her lips moved but no sound came out. The darkness of the room was barely illuminated by the glowing purple light of the circle. And then suddenly her eyes opened, focusing on the sky.

I feel…a venomous presence. What is this feeling? I have not felt this since…since…

Suddenly, without warning a violent wind shook the room, causing the young girl's hair to come undone. She continued to sit still, unmoving the midst of the untamed air. The door behind her shook with such force that the wood panes snapped and the paper flew off as if it were possessed.

Footsteps sounded in the hallway hurriedly making their way to the chaos. She abruptly opened her eyes, but she hands held fast together.

"Shion-sama! Shion-sama what is happening?!"

"Leave this place! Do not come in! Do not enter!" She screamed. As if there was fire all over her body she began to scream.

Everything became white in an instant.

She stood in the middle of an all white room. It seemed as if the white consumed her, and bend her to its will, slowly but surely.

"I have not seen a genuine priestess in over three decades! And one so beautiful, determined and young." Shion regained her composure. She slowed her breathing and stared into the whiteness. All traces of her recent fear had vanished. She held her hands together more tightly.

"What have you brought me here for?"

"Good question that deserves an answer." Shion closed her eyes.

"Trying to search me out, girl?"

"You are a demon…of high class. What are you doing in my country? I have not heard any or seen one as you since my great grandmother. Not even my own mother has seen one such as you."

"Then feel honored, Shion-sama."

"Ha! Why should I be honored to meet one as filthy and vile as you?"

"Because you are the one I have chosen to perform my wedding ceremony. Soon…very soon."

"What-?!"

--

"Shion-sama! Shion-sama please wake up!" The girl shook the figure under the white covers softly. Sighing she walked to the dresser and pick up a cup full of water. Slowly walking back so not to spill, hurriedly she pulled the covers back and threw the water on the sleeping individual.

Sputtering and kicking insured as the young girl ran to the wall still holding the cup. Shion sat up; her ash blonde hair lay in a wet mess around her shoulders. Throwing the covers back she shook her head.

"How long was I asleep?"

"For only a day, Shion-sama." Shion nodded.

"Prepare my bath. I have business today."

--

Shion walked down the halls of the manor shrine. Holding a scroll in one hand and a book in the other.

That night…it felt worse. There is something wrong…this…has never happened before! Who…is that demon?!

"Shion-sama! Shion-sama!" A man in light armor ran to her, holding a round gem.

"You have guests. They're from Konoha!"

--

"Shh, Naruto! Stop talking!" Sakura yelled. Bright daylight shined through the windows into the reception room. Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Neji sat on the tatmi mats into front of the High Seat.

I remember…this room…the first time we met Shion.

Naruto looked around. Yes…he remembered it well. Bells sounded, and the company turned their heads to the High Seat. Shion stepped from behind a curtain, adorned in her priestess robes and ornaments. In her right had she held a large green book, in her left, a staff with a purple stone set on top. Four young men held out a large white sheet with gold cloth in front of the seat. Shion sat gracefully, her hand maids arranging her drooping cloth around her. She nodded; the women bowed and stepped to the side.

"Wow…" Sakura said.

"Still stuck up huh, Shion?" In an instant Naruto's face collided with the floor. Sasuke and Neji tensed, as they heard the floor boards cracking under the pressure of Sakura's hold.

"Naruto! Be respectful!" Sakura hissed, pushing his face farther into the floor. A merry laugh from the High Seat stopped Sakura in her rampage. Shion laughed heartily, holding her stomach.

"Oh Sakura!" She wiped a tear from her eye and smiled faintly.

"You guys have not changed a bit! I am so glad!" Sakura smiled. Neji nodded. Shion looked around.

"But…where is Lee-kun? He was kind! Is he not with you?" Neji nodded.

"Lee currently is on another mission and could not join us. However he wishes for your good health, and sends his greetings Shion-sama." Shion smiled and nodded.

"You are as stiff and formal as always. Neji-kun. Lee-kun always-" Shion stopped and stared at Neji. Her eyes for a moment shined dangerously, and then returned to their normal pleasant appearance.

"Lee-kun always told me what a wood board you were." The glare was not lost on Neji. He lowered his eyes. Shion turned her lavender eyes upon the dark haired stranger.

"Who is this? I do not remember him." Naruto and Sakura smiled wide.

"I'm Sasuke." Shion gasped. She looked at Naruto and Sakura. Naruto smiled wide.

"I told you I'd bring him back!" Sasuke rolled his eyes.

--

"So much has passed. I could not understand. I had no idea who the girl was…" Neji looked up.

"What girl?" Shion sat on a pillow holding a cup of tea. The company sat in her private chambers relaying all that had progressed. About Hiroshi's plans for Hinata the fighting…the death of the Branch members and finally…the demons.

"She looked like you, Neji. Only much prettier." Shion giggled softly. Her eyes seem to glaze over as if remembering something unpleasant. She shook her head free from her thoughts.

"She had eyes just like you, with long indigo hair. She had so much pain…anger…"

"That's Hinata"! Naruto yelled.

"When did you start having these visions?" Sasuke asked, glaring at his blonde friend.

"Two years ago…they have been repeatedly haunting my dreams. I could not understand them…for I did not recognize her face. I never knew…she is so dear to you all. Especially, Naruto." Shion winked in his direction. Naruto flushed.

"Shion-sama…can you help us? Hinata is a dear friend to us…and Neji's dear cousin. Please is there anything you can do?" Sakura pleaded. Shion bit her lip.

"Neji…what has he been telling you?" Neji looked up. Surprised that Shion had called him out.

"Life has told me that Hinata is here. He also told me that Hanabi, and Hiashi-sama are coming here as well. I do not understand…why we are all gathering here."

"Wedding Day…" Shion murmured. Neji glared at her.

"What did you say?"

"Wedding Day…he mentioned it."

"Who?" Shion shrugged.

"He would not give me a name. But I am disturbed about his intentions." Sakura sighed.

"Aren't we all?! All this time we've been running in circles! Hiroshi led us for a good time about the Tea Country! We've been following them like ducks." Shion placed her hand on Sakura's shoulder.

"I will search out this Pain and Chaos. I am sure I can find them…however." Shion pointed to Neji.

"I will need your help." She stood and pulled a cord next to the shoji doors.

"From what you have told me…we only have one day. Please rest until then."

Hello people! Wow...sorry if this chapter was not satisfactory! My brain has been taken over by fever and my body by cramps. For some odd reason I do not like how this chapter started or ended. I know where I want to go...just not sure if I am getting there the right way. Oh well...what else are reviews for? Please REVIEW!!! I have had many adds to fav. stories and fav. authors but now revewis from some of you! :( It breaks my little heart. REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW PLEASE REVIEW. I am hungry for them.

Anyway thanks so much for taking the time to read.