◊ (These Were the Events of March 1st) ◊

∆ (Hospital) ∆ - ¤ (Moments Later) ¤ - VP: Neji

I arrived at the hospital with Tenten and came in. "Ino, may I talk to him?" I asked.

"Neji…" She asked. Tenten walked into the room, took Ino by the hands, and guided her out. I nodded in thanks to both girls.

I sat next to Kaydin. "I guess you'd be the only one who truly understands this, aren't you?" Kaydin asked.

"I would be one that understands a lot but many of those who will later come will understand but if you mean I understand the position your in, your sacrifices, and state of mind, you would be right." I said.

"I want you to talk at my funeral." He said.

"Why me, I barely know you. Wouldn't you like it to be someone who you know better to do it?"

"Who understands a caged bird's feelings, inspiration, hindrances, problems, and heart better than another caged bird?" Kaydin asked.

"I understand, very well then I will." I said.

"Thanks, Neji. I know you will do me well. I know I haven't known you long, like any of the friends I have made but I know a lot about you because you are a caged bird."

"Like what?" I asked.

"I know that you feel that you can't change your fate, that it's sealed. I know that your inspiration to live is to become stronger, your fiancée there and your father. I know that you are a branch member stronger then any of the others. I know that the things that stop you is your caged bird seal, the one marked on your head, in your own blood, under that forehead protector. I know that you wish to become free, and I know you will for everything in your life you fight for has put it there, especially your fiancée there. I've heard much about here on my journeys. Surprisingly enough I knew her way before I came here. I have heard stories of her from her clan in the rain. The last living heir that they have, that with holds all their skill. I also know that your heart seeks to be free, have all the chances that everyone has, and fly again. I know to some extent your abilities and your strength."

"So you know me, it's not surprising."

"The Hyuuga Clan is one that everyone fears, they fear their own, and outsiders. That's why they have the caged bird seal, to protect their only strengths. The Hyuuga will crumble mark my words if your kekkei genkai is not protected. It's what makes you different. I will not waste time warning Hinata. For I know you'll lead the Hyuuga, but I tell you this, make sure that all the Byakugan's are protected for without it, it will crumble. They will fear that others will take it away from them. Find a way that does no harm to the people, make it all fair but protect them."

"I will thanks for our advice."

"You're welcome, there is nothing more to say to you. Take care of your fiancée well as I know you will. I know she had taken care of you well in these last months and in the past, so do the same with her. I expect to hear of great things of you when I die." I nodded and left the room. I stopped and turned around. "Sayonara Uchiha Kaydin."

Ino walked in still crying. "Don't worry, he'll be free soon Ino." I said trying to comfort her. She burst out in tears on my shirt. One of these days, I'm going to ask Tenten to make a waterproof shirt. On the other hand, I could also just ask for a lot more of these.

I looked at Tenten who was holding in her own tears, I needed her help to console Ino here. I think Ino needs someone. Shikamaru walked down the hall and smirked seeing my confused face. Shikamaru tapped Ino on the shoulder. She turned around starting crying even more and this time with inaudible words to it.

I sat in one of the chairs outside of the room and Tenten sat next to me. I put my hand on her leg and she rested her head on my shoulder. "He's going to be a free bird soon Tenten." I said and Tenten burst into tears. What is with girls and breaking down so easily? I think they need consoling. "He'll be free, we should be happy." I whispered in her ear.

"If being free makes someone happy, then are you going to leave me to be happy and free."

"Of course not, I'll be free soon thanks to you. However, Kaydin doesn't have that option, to live is to be in pain forever. The only escape from pain is death. He'll be free soon. Moreover, I won't leave you, we have too much in front of us to accomplish to leave you to do it yourself. I won't leave you. Thanks to you soon I will be free, only through you." I said hugging her.

Tenten was scared. It was most likely because Kaydin is so much like me. He is a caged bird himself and what I'm saying about the bird reminds her of me. She definitely doesn't want me to leave, and I don't plan to either. "Neji, does being free mean happiness?"

"All around, you have to accept it. That is why I was asked to speak on his account. He knows that I am the most one like himself, I understand him. I understand everything and how things are."

"Really, you are going to speak for him?" I nodded. "That's nice, just don't leave me." Tenten said crying.

This funeral means a lot to Tenten. Tenten started crying very loud and was upsetting Ino within the room, and I'm sure other patients. I picked up Tenten and carried her out of the hospital. "I'm sorry but you're upsetting Ino, I can't let you Tenten." I whispered to her. She cried some more.

There was a bench on the outside of the hospital. I set Tenten down on it and I sat next to her. She leaned herself across my lap and I cradled her. She had seen so many deaths, so many funeral but no one blamed her that this one did major damage to her thoughts.

Sakura walked over with Sasuke. "Neji is she alright?" Sakura asked concerned. I nodded and looked at Tenten. She was sleeping. She had all that energy today and now she's already out of energy, that's what you get Tenten. I don't blame you.

"I'm take her back to the Hyuuga Complex, I said my good-byes and Tenten can't."

"Why not?" Sakura asked.

"She's scared, too much so that she breaks down worst then Ino, she can't even move herself. I carried her out here so she'd stop crying. She's worried about allowing me to go free."

"What is with you and Kaydin and birds?!" Sakura yelled. Sasuke put a hand on her shoulder and he shook his head.

"Take her home Neji, good-bye." Sasuke said letting us go. I nodded and picked up Tenten's body and took her back to the Hyuuga Complex.

I laid her in my bed and I walked off to find something to do. I'd most likely go talk to someone or whatever but I needed to allow Tenten to sleep.

VP: Tenten - ¤ (An Hour Later) ¤

I woke up and jumped out of Neji's bed and down the halls. Where was he? Where could he have gone? I have no way to find him! I'm not him! I ran crazily through the halls and I needed to find any Hyuuga I know to help me find him. Is he all right?

I stopped dead in my tracks. That was a dream Tenten; they wouldn't do that, would they? I don't think Hiashi would put it against Neji that you're stronger then him. Would he? I broke out into running around the hall and crashed into a Hyuuga.

"Man, Neji was right, you're strong. Especially when you're tackling people but you're light so now that you're not moving I can stop you." I smiled Alex, I've never been so glad to crash into anyone since I lost Neji in that mall after he just lost his memory and I ran into him.

"Alex, I need to find Neji. He ran off somewhere and I can't find him. Does I think I can use the Byakugan or something? How in the world and I supposed to find him." I said crumpling to the floor against a wall.

"You go to the intercom and ask for him." Alex said. "We can't use our Byakugan within the complex either, we're not stupid. We'd spy on each other and well… we just have an intercom system. Come on Tenten." He sighed and walked to a large box. "You do know that a locating jutsu would work just as well, right?"

"I'm not the best and genjutsu. I'm not even fairly good at it. I can do it but it's not the best I've seen, a little better than average. Plus, I don't know any." He sighed.

"You're falling apart without Neji already how long has he been gone?" I asked.

"I don't know. I was asleep." I complained. He sighed and kept walking.

"Neji, Tenten's lost. You might want to return back to the lobby of the male branch house before she hurts someone or me again." He announced.

I sat there, waited, and through the front door came a quite annoyed Neji. Yeah, Neji's all right! "Neji!" I said jumping up and hugging him.

"You need to have better control of your emotions, I've only been gone an hour, and you were asleep the whole time. I didn't even leave the area." Neji said wrapping his arm around me and sighing.

"Well I'll explain why I was so freaked out later but I'm glad your alive." Both Neji and Alex were confused.

"You thought I was dead?" He asked raising his eyebrow.

"Yeah because I was…" Neji had pulled me toward himself and kissed me.

"Just be quiet and we'll talk later. Thank for finding her Alex." Neji said.

"It wasn't hard you walk out of your room and whap, the girl crashes into you. She definitely needs a map and a location jutsu." Neji looked at me.

"You're acting weird today but I guess it's alright because of all that's going on." Neji said once again pulling me to his side and make sure I was supported well enough.

"Well you two have fun, I have to go find Nina?"

"Nina?" Neji asked.

"Yeah, she's like my fiancée. You aren't the only Hyuuga around here who has a fiancée Neji." He said smirking. Neji just smirked back.

"Are all Hyuugas the same in some aspects?" I asked.

"Yes, seeing as we all grew up the same way in the same complex, same rules, same discipline, same basic look, same kekkei genkai and I could go on but we need to go eat dinner."

"Why?" I asked.

"It's 6 o'clock Tenten. This is the time that all Hyuugas eat dinner. When you live in the Hyuuga Complex you have to stick to strict regulations." I sighed and we walked to the kitchen dinning area. Breakfast was served as people came in the kitchen; Lunch was not served in the complex at all since all Hyuugas were out. Dinner was served promptly at 6 o'clock as I had almost forgotten. I remember during the first few months of our engagement Neji and I stayed her many nights and followed the rules, I should have remembered this.

"Isn't 6 early to eat?" I asked.

"No," Neji answered. "We usually don't even eat lunch when we train and we have dinner when we're done and breakfast before. You're use to that but most people eat dinner around 6, not at 10 or 11."

"I like eating at 11." I said.

"Then you can make yourself something while everyone in the clan is sleeping because when we're on equal terms with them and not training you're responsible for eating when food is made." I sighed, no wonder Neji is so strict. This whole clan is strict. Memo to self: Make Neji make a rule that allows for more freedom for the clan. They're so strict.

I walked into the dinning hall with Neji at my side and we took a seat but the weird thing was everything was quiet. "Why is everything quiet, Neji?" I whispered as quietly as I could.

"Your match this morning, they're admiring your strength."

"Can you tell them to stop, it's creepy." Neji sighed and nodded.

"Ahem," Neji said coughing. They all stared at their food and we sat down.

"Thanks." He nodded and we ate. "Neji, do you know the whereabouts of my daughter?"

"Yes Lord Hyuuga, she is in the hospital. Uchiha Kaydin is dying or by now is dead and she wishes to be there for her friend."

"Thank you, also I'd like to tell you that you have a mission tomorrow, you and Tenten that is Neji? Tsunade only trusted it to you two. You are to locate and retrieve two people from the Rain Village. The rest of the information will be provided tomorrow, understood." Neji looked at me and I nodded and Neji looked to Hiashi.

"We understand Lord Hiashi." Neji said.

"Good, and I'd like to speak to your fiancée after dinner if I may Neji?" He asked.

"Of course," He answered. What, Neji, I really don't want to talk to him alone. This isn't good! Neji! "Tenten, calm down. It's probably about the mission or our parents." He whispered. I sighed, that's right it could be about that or, it could be about killing you, and you're too oblivious to know!

Neji and I finished up eating. Sometimes some of the other Hyuugas at the table would stare at me and I just looked at my plate, or Neji, or the ceiling. "Tenten," Hiashi called. Neji nodded at me and he was saying go on Tenten but I really didn't want to but I got up without a word and followed him.

"This mission is one that is very important to you. The two people you are going to find is your mother and the man who saved her that she was engaged to. They were believed to be dead but Tsunade has been in touch with them as well as I have and we think that they should return to Konoha because it is now forgiven of their crime." That was me, I was the crime.

"Hai, and?" I asked.

"You may believe that their crime is nothing of horrible deeds when you look at it. You see their crime as yourself, do you not?" I nodded. "Well you are wrong, their crime was leaving the village illegally. If you were the crime you would be dead, correct?" I thought about it.

"Yes, but my mother was raped during a mission."

"That is the story that you have been told?" I asked.

"No, not exactly. It's blankly put in my mind."

"Well that's where you're wrong, they are both your birth parents but this was during a mission where she was rapped but, clearly. Your blood is both theirs."

"So I'm retrieving my birth parents, both of them?" He nodded.

"I made sure that you and Neji were the ones put on the mission because as you know, your mother and father were very close to his parents. That is why. Neji is missing much of his memory but I believe this extra piece is what may help."

"I figured the part about them being friends from their wedding, but I didn't know if they were alive, I had always dismissed it."

"Well now that you know your mission, good day. And… I wanted to tell you that you are a perfect match for Neji, trust me, your team is the hardest analyzed team before it was put together. We predicted everything that Neji would need in training in the future from his dad's directions at Neji's young age. We had requirements that anyone who worked along side Neji would have to get along with him, and help him. That is why we found you the perfect person to work with him. Not only were you the only one who could provide a challenge to him, and best train him. Your behavior is complimentary to his, how he responds to your actions is a clear picture of it. This is how we figured it out."

"So Neji and I really were set up from the beginning of becoming Genins?" I asked.

"Yes, in terms of partners. We did only hope that you two would notice that your attraction to each was because of you complimentary nature but we didn't plan for you two to work together as you have. I commend you on your good performance today. It was quite amazing."

"Thank you for everything Lord Hiashi." He nodded and I exited the room. Neji was leaning against the wall. "How long have you been standing there?"

"The whole time, even he can't use his Byakugan in the house, it's made of kekkei genkai reacting material so that he couldn't sense me. His room is also sound proof from the inside so I could hear everything but he could hear me." I sighed.

"So you know that we're going to get my parents, to help you finish up the last part of your memory and how we really were set up from the beginning?"

"Yeah, but everyone knows that's how Genin Squads are set up?"

"What?"

"At the very beginning, they group different classes of skills and abilities together. You think it's coincidental that Shikamaru who uses a jutsu to control another human's movements was paired up with a soon to be kunoichi who uses a jutsu that requires a human's movement to be less then nothing to do?"

"Sort of, I never thought about it that much. But what about some of the other teams, like Hinata's?"

"Hinata's training required gaining more confidence by supplying her with teammates that would be supportive with no distractions. If she was paired up with Naruto for example where they could begin two together training, she would be too nervous and never get better. Kiba and Shino were two people who would most likely in life, stay independent to themselves so there would be no reason for her training to be bothered."

"I see, so because of your need to get stronger you needed someone who could give you everything you needed to train, meaning me, right?" I asked.

"Exactly, you get stronger by facing your weakness. That's why half of the day I'd have you attack at distances while I'm off tract while some of the time I would try to find you head on putting me at the advantage. It gave me a round training in all my levels. I use hand to hand so the easiest person to challenge me was someone who succeeded in distance attacks, you. Everything is predetermined."

"No, he said that the predicted we'd work together, not that we'd fall in love. That wasn't the plan at all." I corrected him.

"It makes sense to me. You pair me with a kunoichi who poses a challenge to me, the prodigy of Konoha and you didn't expect me to fall in love with her. It was obvious from the beginning. I mean look at how obvious it was that you admired me. You were given someone who could stand up to your level of talent as well and you admired me for years before our engagement." I sighed and put my hands on my hips.

"I guess but fate didn't decide that. You could have just been hard headed and trained on your own, because you thought that would get you stronger but you didn't."

"You're confused; we have control of our own fate. I could decide that I hate my parents because of them leaving me and I could kill them on the way back but I'm not. I have control of my fate Neji, so do you."

"I guess you're right, that's what destiny is isn't it. It's the solid flow that can be changed my decisions, right?"

"That's it so let's go sleep because we've got a mission to go to."

"And a funeral," Hinata said coming in the room. Neji smacked himself again. He has been doing that a lot today, I wonder if he gets headaches a lot.

"I'm sure the mission will start nightfall tomorrow so I can attend the wedding." Neji explained to her.

"Thank you Nii-san, Tenten." She exited and closed the door behind her.

"Lock it," Neji said.

"What?"

"The door, it gets on my nerves people randomly coming in." Neji said.

I sighed, she climbed over me into one of my drawers and grabbed a kunai and threw it at the door, nailing it straight on, and locking it. "Better?" I asked smiling.

"Yeah," He said. "You don't have any kunai on you, do you?"

"No, why would I? I'm sleeping. I tossed them in that drawer before climbing in the bed. I always do, except the one I keep with me."

"You do, where?"

"I keep two shuriken and one kunai on me at all times, in my hair."

"So you're never defenseless, unless your hair is down, right?" He asked.

"Yeah," I smacked myself. I just gave him my weakness, not smart! He was about to take down my hair down. I just know it. He gave one of those evil smirks that the guys we're attacking do before they pull out their biggest move. Nevertheless, trust me, it's scarier when it's the person you trust the most doing it to you.

He flipped himself on top of me, took the kunai from my hair, and used it to unclick the notch that kept the two shuriken in my hair. "Neji!" I complained.

"What?" He asked still smirking evilly.

"You're scaring me." He sighed, smiled, and rolled over back onto his back. "Thanks," I said finally able to relax. He laid there next to me.

"I was having fun."

"It's not fun to me, Neji. I was seriously scared." I said. I flipped over to my stomach and climbed on top of him. "What now?" I asked.

"Whatever," He said. "I don't find you scary in the least Tenten, challenging, strong, beautiful, kind and intelligent, yes, scary, no." He said kissing my forehead.

"Thanks Neji." I allowed my weight to completely fall onto Neji, little by little and then I rolled over Neji and rested my head on his chest. "Isn't this illegal to do?"

"Not as long as you don't decide to give birth before the wedding." I smacked him.

"Neji, that was so uncalled for. I'm not even pregnant." He smiled and looked up at the ceiling. "Neji!" I yelled. He kissed me.

"Sh, or you'll get in trouble and I'll have to take you home and they won't let you stay here with me, or me there with you." Neji said. "You're fun to play mind games with."

"Neji," I said sitting up and crossing my arms.

"Come on Tenten, you know I'm just playing."

"Have you always been crazy?" I asked.

"I don't know, you said we've know each other our whole lives, ask yourself that." He said.

"I think you have, you've just been hiding it." I figured.

"Now that you've thought about this, I'm want to play some more."

"Neji, it's not nice to play with your fiancée." I reprimanded him.

"Yeah it is. if you'd relax you'd enjoy it too." He answered.

"Neji!" I complained. "You're tiring." I said.

Neji pulled me back down into the bed and rolled on top of me. "If you don't want me to play around in your mind, can I ask you a question?"

"I guess but if this is going to mess up my mind, you're going to get it Hyuuga Neji, I promise you that."

"Fine, can I kiss you?" He asked simply.

"Only if I get to too," I answered.

"Now who's playing mind games?" He asked.

"Both of us," I answered and he lowered my head to his level and we kissed for a while then we were both tired and he rolled over to my side and I sighed.

"Whose room is next door?" I asked.

"I don't know, I don't really pay attention. I know that on my west side is someone but all the guest room is to my east."

"Have you ever noticed that you describe everything as a map?" I asked.

"Yes, it's easiest to give locations that way. You do the same thing when you tell me where you are or where someone is."

"I guess I do but you're confusing instead of saying ahead, behind, left and right you say north, south, west and east." I said.

"No offense Tenten, you're very smart but you get too easily confused." He said.

"I know but you're confusing, and complex."

"I guess." He said. He held my body gently against his.

"You're warm and comforting."

"Thanks, I guess." He said confused.

"Today has been crazy, and tomorrow is bound to be crazier." I said.

"Yeah but I'm wondering how this mission is going to go down. Do you think your mother will recognize either of us?"

"Us, Neji. You weren't alive when she left, she left the day I was born, but maybe… it's possible that you look like your dad and mom that she'll recognize you. I don't know how observant she is but I'm pretty sure that she won't know me."

"Why?" I asked.

"I have a clue that I don't look like either of my parents because of my unique style and such. I'm just guessing, we'll find out in two days." I said.

"So don't worry." He said.

"Alright, night Neji!" I said happily.

"Night Tenten," He said relaxing himself next to me. It's the best feeling in the world, knowing you're safe. As long as Neji is here, I can sleep with my hair down, no worries.

I don't really want to meet my mother, I'm afraid that she'll rebuke me. I'm afraid she will forget her past life and rebuke Neji. What if she won't come back? What if I have to hurt her to get her to come along? What if my mom won't let me come back to Konoha? What if they kidnap me? What if I never see Neji again?

"Tenten, don't worry, everything will be fine. Go to sleep." Neji said holding me closer to him and resting his head on mine.

"Thanks, I will." I said finally able to fall asleep.

The Reasons Why… These are the Events of March 1st.

1. they were at the hospital

2. he was asked to talk at Kaydin's funeral

3. no one knows a caged bird better than another caged bird speech

4. Kaydin is going to be free of his cage.

5. everyone should be happy for Kaydin

6. He gives a speech on the escape form pain is death

7. go on a mission to find Tenten's parents

8. Tenten's blood is pure

9. Neji's last piece of memory is to be discovered

10. Tenten discovers why doors get on Neji's nerves

11. Neji takes Tenten's hair down

12. Neji scares Tenten

13. Neji has fun

14. she smacks him

15. he kisses her

16. he plays mind games with her

17. he asks her a question

18. the day is crazy

19. she's worried for the next day