The Path of Destruction
Chapter 5
By: Aireonna
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto… sigh…, which sadly means I do not own Neji or Tenten.
A/N: Another chapter! I really hope you are enjoying this so far… I'm trying to keep it pretty original. I have lots of ideas and just finding ways to tie them all together and get from one point to the next without giving away too much and keeping you all interested.
"Heike…"
There was that word again. I knew instantly that I had to be dreaming the same dream once more.
This time there was something different. It felt familiar yet new at the same time.
My eyes scanned the area. I stood in a large opening surrounded by wilderness and bodies everywhere in the midst of battle. Creatures that I have never seen before were engaged with each other, fighting to the death.
Screams echoed through the dense area, blood spilling left and right tainting the earth below.
I felt a rush of hatred sweep over me. Darkness surrounded me, making it harder to make out any of the war around me, shadows covering my vision.
"I will find you." A voice so evil that my very soul cringed in fear boomed through my mind. My eyes blurred, my heart racing.
What has happening? Who was this? Who was I?
The arms that always manage to save me from this nightmare came just in time as I could feel the evil approaching me from behind.
It felt as if I was being ripped away, everything around me disappearing.
I jolted from my slumber, my heart thundering against my chest and perspiration dripping down my forehead.
My breathing was labored and I was quit surprised that I hadn't allowed a scream to escape.
Closing my eyes once more I tried to calm myself and erase the images of death and evil from my minds eye. Breathing in and out, I focused on doing just that, listening intently to my surroundings.
The sounds of hushed voices reached my ears. Or at least they were supposed to be hushed voices.
I groaned softly, bringing the cover over my head.
"…a week from tomorrow…" Oba-san's voice echoed in my ears .
"…so hard to hide…" Oja-san joined in.
"We have to do it."
Why did it feel like they were not whispering in a few rooms away, but rather yelling right before me? It reverberated through me, pounding in my head and making me wince with each sound.
I covered my ears, closing my eyes tightly. Apparently my hearing was super sensitive today. It wouldn't be the first time. It normally comes with being ill. Which, as of late I was definitely showing signs of being.
With her words, I knew that they must be speaking about my "coming of age" as they so often refer to it. Stretching, I decided to tune any further conversation out.
I am rather fond of surprises… for the most part. And if they were discussing my birthday, it normally meant they were planning something. I'm really bad at acting or lying, so knowing the secret was a big down fall for me.
I was happy to see that Oba-san had covered my window with a blanket, blocking any sunlight from torturing me from my slumber. I prefer being able to see in the morning, rather than being blinded by the annoying morning sun.
So with that, it was still pretty dark in my chamber, of course I didn't mind this at all. It made staying in bed much easier. Smiling, content, I rolled onto my side and let my eyes adjust to being open. The darkness of the room became clear for me instantly, being able to see everything around me.
"..she'll never forgive us." Oba-san's voice made my brow cross.
It couldn't be that bad what they were planning. I know I sometimes acted like I hated surprises or that I couldn't wait and needed to know now, but it would never be to the point that I could hold it against them and not forgive.
Deciding this would be a good time to get up, I moved across my room with ease.
Removing my sleeping yukata, I stretched like a cat, allowing my muscles to fully awaken before any further movement.
My hair tousled around me having fallen out of my buns in my slumber. Odd, that never happens. I guess my nightmare had brought on more than I thought.
I sighed as my eyes fell upon the calendar that was hanging on my wall.
Oba-san had colored this day with pretty sakura blossoms so that it would not be forgotten. How could anyone forget it? It would be the talk of the village all day and preparations were to begin…at dawn. Meaning that they had already started.
Odd again, I normally wake to the gong but I must have been so deep in slumber that the village ruckus didn't even have its normal affect. Which also means that I somehow slept longer than normal, managing to skip over my normal morning schedule.
Glancing out the window, it was obvious that the day had already begun long ago. It had to be well past noon. I've never slept past noon.
Some dream.
I tensed at the thought, the memory of the hatred and evil consuming me once more. It was something that I would gladly never choose to feel again.
Rubbing my bare arms, I felt chilled suddenly.
Dressing quickly, I continued my morning routine, tiding up the room and throwing my hair back up into my buns.
"Good morning Oba-san, Oji-san!" I shouted out my doorway so that I wouldn't walk out and interrupt their previous chatter.
I knew a secret when I heard one. Whatever they were currently talking about was not meant for my ears. And I knew better than to ease drop. If anything, ease dropping has gotten me into far more trouble than it's worth, thanks to Sakura for the most part.
She is the queen of ease dropping. And if she doesn't find out what she wants to know by listening in, she finds a way to get the person to tell her personally. Its amazing how easy people fold to her will and demands, one of the many things that I envy her for.
Walking into our kitchen I smiled at my aunt and uncle.
"Oh Tenten-chan, what a glorious day this is!" Oba-san sounded so very excited.
I stared at first, aware how awkward the air was from their previous conversation.
"A day that our youthful flower gets to blossom!" Oji-san rambled, falling into his normal stance and his eyes glazing over in pure bliss.
How annoying this all was to me this morning.
Groaning, I shook my head.
"Oh Tenten-chan, you know how much we all enjoy the festival. Its such an important event."
I signed, shrugging my shoulders.
"I know, it marks the date that our village was founded. Odd how the last day of the festival happens to be my birthday." I tried to hide my sarcasm.
Even though I rather enjoyed all the food, the dances, the games, and the fireworks, this morning I just didn't feel up to the happiness. The evil presence had definitely put a damper on my mood.
"You know you can't wait to go with dear Sakura, just like years previous. And how lovely Sakura always manages to look… and make you look. It's a time for your true youthful beauty to shine!"
I rather disliked my uncle's rants on youth and beauty. It sometimes felt like it was a violation of my sanity.
But to appease my joyous family, I placed a smile upon my reddened lips.
"Yes, of course."
"Knock, knock!"
Smiling, I turned to see Sakura walking in.
"Speak of the goddess and she appears." Oji-san squealed.
Her mouth gaped.
"How dare you speak such words about me, you know that Kami would not agree with such." Her cheeks flushed.
"Please, you know you enjoy the compliment." I laughed at her bashfulness.
"Here to start the days events dear?" My aunt asked her, pushing a full glass of water that had been sitting in front of her towards Sakura.
Sakura took it gladly, bowing her head in respect, and downed it in one drink.
"Isn't it a little early for that?" I asked, not wanting to start the long process of getting primped and ready.
"What time do you think it is? It's nearly two. We're actually running late dear Tenten."
Gaping at her, I blinked a few times.
"Two?!"
I hadn't realized just how long I had slept.
"We didn't want to wake you, you seemed so restless last night. Thought a good rest would make today go by with much more enthusiasm." My aunt smiled at me, taking my uncles hand.
"Its alright my lovely friend, that's what I am here for." Sakura smiled, bringing her hands to her chest to emphasize herself.
"I don't want to brag or anything, but we both know when it comes to beauty, I am the master."
It was always so much fun to listen to her go on about how perfect she was…with everything.
"Let's get this party started!"
I hadn't noticed the large bag that she had lugged in with her, but when she suddenly grabbed my hand, I found myself being dragged back towards my room along with the heavy luggage.
Exactly six hours and forty-five minutes later, here I am standing before a mirror, unable to tear to my gaze from both of our reflections.
"I know, no need to thank me." She smiled her sweet smile, allowing her dazzling white teeth to accent her beauty even further.
"It's truly amazing the talent you possess."
My eyes trailed up and down once more, taking in my full form. Sure Sakura had dressed me many times, she enjoyed doing these "make-overs" like she called them. But nothing like this.
Before I could think anymore on the matter, my dear friend was dragging me along once more.
I noticed her grab a few things before we exited my home, leaving my aunt and uncle behind us staring wide eyed, tears streaming down their faces.
"Have fun our beautiful Tenten-chan!"
Funny how easily the day goes by when you distract yourself. The sun had long been set, and my one true love, the moon, was shining brightly upon us, which left me feeling quit relieved.
I inhaled deeply, letting my arms flail out around me to gape in the night air and enjoy the moonlight dancing upon my face.
"Let's go Tenten-chan! The festival is already started without us. I enjoy being late, but even this is cutting it."
Sakura brought my attention back to the task at hand - getting to the festival.
My eyes caught sight of her, and I couldn't help but feel like the many guys that drooled over this goddess like creature day in and day out. It was like her eyes alone were calling to me, my body. Like an unsung song, it was drumming in my head and lulling me to her melody.
She really was something else. And tonight was not unlike any other; her beauty was breath taking even for me. She had definitely dressed for the occasion. I wish I could look the part as well as she could.
From the parasols that she insisted that we bring, mine now dangling at my side as I refused to use it till we arrived, to every last fine detail of her appearance, utter perfection.
Her pale pink hair was tousled loosely about her perfectly shaped face, held partially back with two chopstick like pieces that had dangling color strips from the ends, the colors accenting her as they toyed through her strands.
Her eyes were touched lightly with eye shadow, the coloring I couldn't even wish to know but brought out the emerald coloring and made them shine like gems.
Her cheeks were rosy, bringing out the sparkle in her eyes. Her pale lips were glossy and beckoned to onlookers. Her kimono was utterly amazing. I'm not one for dressing up, but this was something I wish I could pull off.
It managed to hug her curves in all the right ways, the colors matching her hair and eyes perfectly. A beautiful red silk with pink sakura blossoms intricately placed to draw ones eye to each individual flower. An emerald obi tied about her waistline, the back in a bow that trailed behind her slightly. The furi of the kimono were sliced, lines of silk draping down her arms and emerald gems dancing across the sode. The parasol held against her right shoulder matched her kimono perfectly.
"Would you stop staring, you're making me blush Tenten-chan."
She brought her hand to her face in an innocent manner and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh please, you act like you aren't used to it."
Covering her mouth with a slight chuckle, she shook her head.
"You don't give yourself enough credit. I'm not the only beauty tonight dear." With a wink, she abruptly turned and marched her way towards the center of our village.
I could see lights from here, different colors tracing across the sky. The laughter reached my ears the closer we managed to come. I fell behind a little; enjoying the light breeze that swept across us and not in any hurry to make my arrival. It's not like I was missing anything. The festival was something that lasted for a week, an on going celebration with never ending food, contests, games, drinking, singing and dancing, a true non-stop party.
This was the one-week out of the year that everyone in our village allowed themselves to be free. To forget the stress of our world, not allowing the knowledge that enemies could attack at any moment and bring terror into our hearts.
Its not always good being the neutral one in the middle of a war. Especially when you consist of as many bad asses as we do. But we want peace. The people here are tired of bloodshed, tired of death and pain. We came here to forget all of that. We came here to be normal. To live a normal life and forget all the hatred between Oni and humans.
And yet every day we fear that it will be torn away from us. Even I at such a young age for our inhabitants know that it's only a matter of time before they find us. Before he finally brings his war to our door.
Orochimaru.
The name alone can cause even me to stop in my tracks.
I have never seen this monster, and nor do I wish to. He is the reason behind everything. The reason why the guardians protect our lifestyle day in and day out. He is the worst of Oni that exist. A true demon. Someone who wishes to destroy all of human kind and let his evil reign.
"Tenten-chan. You- you look amazing."
The words startled me from my thoughts and I halted instantly. It was funny how lost I seemed to get these days. I hadn't even realized that I had made it into the center of the festival.
Glancing around, I saw the many villagers enjoying themselves and being carefree as they celebrated. Sake was tossed around freely, bringing out the true nature of some of the quietest of souls. I saw a few couples frisking each other along railings and benches and I could feel my cheeks warming in reaction.
My eyes finally fell upon my thought intruder, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Hinata-chan…" I blinked a few times, shocked at the small girl that stood before me.
Hinata was a Hyuuga. The Hyuuga heir to be exact. And yet she was everything a heir was not, kind, noble, shy, did I mention shy?
She had to be the shyest person that I had ever met. In all of the years that Konoha has been my home; I can't remember a time that she didn't blush or stutter her words when speaking to another.
She was someone that I grew to enjoy being around. I looked at her as if she was a little sister that I have never had, and I her protector. Hinata was just far too innocent for this world, unable to stand up for herself against the terrors of human and Oni kind alike.
Her moonlight colored eyes met mine with a smile that reached ear to ear.
Moonlight colored eyes.
I found myself blushing once more… why now out of all times?
His eyes were the same as hers. Of course they were, they were related.
Its rather funny how I have managed to know Hinata for so long and yet Neji has never been a factor.
"I-I saw you daydreaming and thought…Sakura kind of left you behind."
She turned her head to her left.
Following her intended gaze, I caught sight of my dear friend seducing an innocent by stander. His eyes were as big as saucers as Sakura worked her magic on him. The sake that he was holding being her target, one she intended on claiming as her hips swayed back and forth to the music that pulsed through the square to lull him into complying. Without even touching the poor guy, the sake was hers in seconds.
I could see from here she was rather enjoying herself. And yet she quickly turned from her first victim with a wink and moved further into the crowd of people.
"I'm sure I will see her later. I'm sure we all will. She tends to become the life of the party sometimes." I smiled sweetly at Hinata and nervously brushed my hands over my kimono.
The parasol handle felt slick in my hand and I realized that my palms were sweaty.
Why was I suddenly nervous?
I have been to this many times over; it's always the same. Nothing new. Just a load of fun that no one will remember in the morning. Ironic how we celebrate something we all wish to remember and yet we tend to forget the celebration.
One of the many reasons that sake and I will never be intimate.
"You look great Hinata. I love the purple and green kimono. Goes well with your eyes."
Her whole face flushed immediately in response to my comment.
Shy. So very shy.
"Th-thank you, Tenten-chan."
Her stuttering is sort of cute to me in a way.
"Hinata-chan! Tenten-chan!"
My eyes bulged instantly.
Poor Hinata.
If I thought she had been red before, I had been wrong.
At the sight of Naruto, she turned a whole new shade that I swear could have matched Sakura's kimono.
"Nar-Naruto-kun…" Her eyes fell to the ground instantly and she began toying with the ends of her sleeves.
"They're holding a tournament over there! I was so close but I got knocked out!" His eyes were wide as he waved his hands around frantically to get his point across.
"A tournament?"
I was suddenly curious. It was probably another one of those pointless eating contests, who can eat the most sushi or something of those terms.
He nodded his head and continued his rant.
"You have to hit the most targets with the darts, I was so close to winning and then I missed the 5th to the last one! Can you believe that?!"
Hinata shook her head to respond to him without words. Her eyes were transfixed on his face.
Did I mention that she was head over-heels in love with Naruto? And yet some how the baka remained completely oblivious of such obvious affections.
"Targets? Tenten-chan, it sounds like-like something you can do." Hinata spoke to me, which I have to be honest, I was already thinking about.
This was definitely something that I knew I could do and something that would make my time at the festival a little more enjoyable. That is until all the fireworks and dancers start. There's just something about all the colors that draw me in.
I smiled and let the parasol fall to the ground, still grasping it as it closed. This was something I could do for sure.
Bring. It. On.
Naruto nodded his head in understanding. The look on my face must have not needed words.
The weaknesses I have been feeling the past few days vanished instantly. I didn't care about fainting spells or headaches. Lack of sleep or daytime irritation. It was all meaningless to me at this moment. I was a woman on a mission.
Following Naruto, I quickly made my way across the crowds of people, trying so desperately to avoid from being trampled on. Half of them towered over me, already feeling the affects of the sake. And yet it calmed me. The pulses of their hearts drumming to the rhythm of the music and causing my breathing to become erratic.
It was intoxicating.
Coming to a halt in front of my destination, I realized this was a little bigger than Naruto had explained. All of the guards and men at arms stood around the little stand that was the front and behind was an open area of land where targets were placed strategically and each one further back as each contestant went against each other trying to be the best man. I watched with interest as each dart impacted with its target. The blade whisking through the air called to me, calming my senses. The large group didn't intimidate me like it normally would, in fact it only pushed me further.
I began pushing through the masses of bodies, leaving my two friends behind me and just barely made out their good luck wishes as I disappeared in the mob.
"Excuse me, pardon me." I ignored the paws of the men around me, their obvious slight touches trying to be hidden in the fact that I had just pushed through them, but I knew it wasn't accidental. Men were such pigs. Anything for even the slightest of touches.
I was very much aware that I looked out of place. In fact I was completely out of place. Every single one of these contestants were men.
They all turned to stare at me and take in my overly dressed attire. Overly dressed compared to them that is.
My kimono was the purest white silk you could fine and so soft to the touch. Red Chinese twin dragons climbed up from the bottom, making it look like they climbed up my legs. Their tails swirled around my backside, the detail of each one breath taking. The obi was a red color also, matching that of the dragons that accompanied me. The furi draped down my arms, the silk dancing across my skin like the slightest touch of a lover leaving me wanting more.
My make-up was simple. A light red gloss covered my perked lips, and different shades of gray accented my eyes making them seem cloudy and mystifying. My hair was the only thing that I had had a say in. They still remained up in my customary buns, but around them, red and white silk ribbons were tied, the strands falling down to reach the sides of my face.
Thankfully the kimono would not get in the way of my task.
"The geisha contests are over there."
A drunk man spoke to me. Its funny how rude sake can make some people. And dumb.
"Geisha is Chinese baka."
My eyes rolled angrily and I bit back another comment. I was still in no place to be talking back to anyone and not now.
His brows crossed in anger and I only ignored him as he growled out his frustrations.
The men's ranting and raving echoed in my ears as they cheered the current contenders on. I stood on the tips of my toes trying to see over the group that stood before me.
My eyes widened when my vision was engulfed with pink.
Pushing my way through to reach the front, I stopped as the bodies behind me tried to push me further, leaning against me to see what exactly was going on.
"Tenten-chan!" Sakura beamed.
I blinked a few times and noticed that she stood beside a man who was currently aiming at his next target.
"Sasuke is about to take out his next victim! And I can't believe who it is!" She giggled, her hands playing with the ends of her hair.
I ignored my gut that was now wrenching and doing random flips at the sight of Sakura with Sasuke. Why did this guy make me so nervous?
"Kakashi!" I could hear the group behind me cheering.
Wow, when I had seen these two before they seemed so mentor and student like. Seems like it was time for the student to surpass the mentor.
I watched in awe as Kakashi aimed at his target. He bit his lip in slight concentration and sweat dripped down his brow. I could see him flexing his fingers around the small object, willing it to become one with his body.
This is something I know from personal experience. My aunt and uncle found it amazing how in tune I have always been with anything to do with weapons and precision. It didn't matter what it was, I was a master at my craft.
Sakura had her beauty, I had this.
When the dart left his hand, I already knew that it wouldn't hit. Glancing at the scores I could tell this was the very last target. And yet I sensed that he knew it too. That he could have made it different and yet he didn't. He was allowing this.
The crowd grew quiet instantly, waiting to see if the projectile would impact with its intended target.
I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply just as the dart missed by an inch.
A loud roar escaped the mouths of the men around me and I could feel their rage boiling over, their pulses vibrating in my mind as they closed in on us.
Sakura jumped up and down repeatedly, throwing her arms around her knight and shining armor.
"You won Sasuke-kun!" She wailed, her eyes glistening. Sasuke seemed annoyed at the whole matter. Turning to his losing competitor, he bowed his head in respect and turned to leave.
Sakura smiled and followed after him.
The crowd grew silent.
"Where are you going? You must continue on!" One man stated
Sasuke halted in front of the speaker and his eyes were as cold as ice. Chills ran down my spine and yet it wasn't like before. I didn't feel threatened however, I could feel his anger.
"This is meaningless to me. I grow tired of this stupid game." With that he stalked off leaving a crowd full of angry people.
Sakura stopped to smile at me, her hand resting on my shoulder.
"Show em tiger." She winked and followed after her knight.
I oddly felt like I was being left out of some big secret. Why was Sakura suddenly hanging out with this Sasuke character?
I stood there for a few seconds pondering and then felt someone standing before me.
"Do you wish to compete?"
It was Kakashi. His eyes took in my form with a look that could only mean one thing, he thinks I'm crazy.
I could only nod, my voice suddenly lost.
He smiled a half smile and shook his head.
"Lose some kind of bet or something? Someone put you up to this? You do understand that these are moving targets and a little more complicated than what someone like you could handle." His eyes traveled up and down me.
That mask of his drove me crazy. It was hard to really understand if any of that was meant to be taken rudely or just as a joke.
Scoffing, I began rolling up the sleeves to my kimono.
"Bring it on." My words brought a smirk to my face and I could feel the crowd behind us gawking and trying to understand what was happening.
"Next!" Someone beside us yelled.
"Let the girl go! Let's she how fast she can drop out!"
Growling, I bit my tongue. Such impudent people. Judging someone by their gender, not something I rather enjoy.
Cracking my knuckles, I smiled, my eyes lighting up and reflecting the full moon on their surfaces.
Ten contestants later, I couldn't even hear myself think. Its funny how in the beginning they were all cheering against me, and now each man that stood behind me was chanting my name loudly.
I turned away from the targets and took a deep breath. I had taken out almost every last competitor and it was starting to take its toll on me. I wonder what time it now was?
The fireworks hadn't started yet, but that didn't happen till after midnight.
It felt like I had been doing this for a good hour or two now. My wrists were screaming in protest, and yet the dart I still held in my hand still felt as if it belonged.
"I won't be so easy to over come."
The voice echoed in my ears and made my heart cease.
My eyes widened and I gulped in air that had depleted from my lungs.
The crowd grew silent at the newcomer's words.
"Interesting turn of events ladies and gentlemen!" Our appointed speaker boomed over the crowd, which by the way had grown ten-fold since I started. I could still hear my friends chanting my name.
"Lets see how this young lady holds out against a Guardian!"
I closed my eyes tight and tried to ignore the gasps and negative words towards me from the surrounding people.
Turning swiftly, I tried to hide my nervousness.
Why was I nervous? I knew that there was no way I could fail at this. And yet when my eyes found moon colored, I knew that I was doomed.
"Neji…"
A/N: And there you have it kiddies! Next chapter is up! I hope you enjoyed. It took me forever to write this chapter. Sorry for the long awaited update! Please tell me what you think. Over 14 pages once again!