The Path of Destruction
Chapter 6
By: Aireonna
Disclaimer: I do not own sadly… we all know this.
A/N: Update!! I'm sad that I'm not getting as much as a response as I hoped for. But nonetheless I write for my own amusement and choose to share with others. If you do not like it, I apologize. But I shall continue for myself for I rather enjoy this fic.
"Neji…"
Even with all the screaming and ranting from our current crowd that surrounded us, I found myself drowning out the noise. It was meaningless to me at this moment.
My sole purpose right now was to show not everyone, but myself, that I could do this. I would not loose to someone lower than me.
Lower than me? Where did that attitude come from? Ah, yes, for that is how I am treated. Being a woman with such talents as I is rather rare and I am finding myself more and more enjoying surprising my audience with such rarity. So another being is lower in talent compared to mine, I know this for a fact.
Flexing my dull fingers at my side, I planted a rather cunning smile upon my lip-gloss stricken lips.
Neji's eyes found mine and I swear I saw a tint of amusement there.
"Shall we continue the show?"
His voice was like a needle in a haystack, one I would find myself searching for over and over again.
"Hyuuga! Hyuuga!"
The chant of his name was like a stab at my gut. Its funny how easily this crowd was won over. Seconds previous they had been cheering me on. Traitors.
I allowed my irritation to settle and cleared my throat.
"It seems you won over some fans. I'll enjoy taking them back."
My comment felt bitter even for me, but I knew that this was a competition. I couldn't let something as dumb as one's eyes lull me into thinking otherwise.
Turning my attention from the moonlight coloring, I focused once more at the task at hand.
"Ouch, such words coming from someone dressed so lady like is almost deceiving."
I wanted to growl at him and strike all at once. I knew my attire only made this even harder for me, showing my onlookers that I was nothing more than a simple girl not ready to tango with someone as high ranking as a Guardian.
Stereotypes. I loathe such bullshit.
"By all means, this lady steps down to allow her challenger to go first. I want to enjoy following after you for the win."
Neji squared his shoulders and tried to hide his laugh. He knew that I was enjoying this a little more than I should be. Being in my clearing with me, he saw how determined my skills had been, not faltering their purpose to claim the target.
I stepped a few steps back, forcing the crowd to go with me. They quieted in response knowing that it was beginning.
I felt my stomach growing uneasy in anticipation. And I mentally smacked myself at such absurdities. Doubt is the one thing I could not afford. I bit my lip trying to push the feelings aside, my fingers rolling across the surface of the darts in my right hand.
Focus Tenten…
My brain seemed to be working apart from my nerves at the moment. And yet the voice calmed me.
My mind being sidetracked snapped back to reality as the first dart flew from his hand. His hands were large in comparison to my dainty ones. However, they held a grace and gentleness to them, almost caressing the air around him like a long lost lover.
I found my heartbeat become erratic at the thud of the dart impacting perfectly on its mark.
The audience oohed and ahhed at the sight, clapping in appreciation.
Grinding my teeth, their cheering only furthered my anger and drive to show just how hard it would be to beat me. I would not fail here tonight, or anytime soon.
I watched once more as Neji aimed at his next target, concentration clearly written in his stature as the taunting of the moving round crop swayed back and forth willing the provoker to try and hit it.
And before long, our Guardian had taken all of the required targets out. I stood slightly amazed at his talent. I hadn't met many in our small village of Konoha whom I could actually look at as someone to compete against. Normally it was a hands down I win.
The crowd roared in obvious joy at his accomplishment and also in my hoped ending. But it wasn't over yet.
I brought my hands together and clapped in pure admiration from one opponent to another.
Neji turned to me with a smile and bowed slightly.
"I did not mean to make it hard for you to overcome, my lady." His voice was soft and still teasing. I chuckled softly and shook my head, my hair accessories tickling the sides of my face.
Allowing him to take my hand, he bowed in respect and kissed the top ever so slightly, his lips barely brushing my sun kissed skin.
I tried to hide the blush that crept to my already reddened cheeks, remembering thankfully that Sakura had touched them with blush.
Letting go of my hand, I felt my skin ablaze from where his had touched mine. His body warmth was something I was not used to and I suddenly felt rather cold.
He stepped aside and faced the crowd with a bow, taking in their cheers.
Turning away from this, his face returned to the cold and sternness that I was used to seeing already, and his eyes lost their amusement. Was it really mandatory for him to be so serious?
I realized that it was now my turn to dazzle my onlookers.
With a tight smile, I felt my blood buzzing in awareness and enjoying the audiences' eyes on me. I have never liked being watched but at this moment I find myself fond of it.
It was fueling me.
Stepping towards the center of all the targets, I listened closely at the questioning that covered the people around me. Their tones becoming confused as they watched my every movement.
Taking all ten of the daggers into my grasp, I knew what I was about to do would baffle even the judges.
Excellent.
Closing my eyes, I allowed my hearing to drone out the annoyance of odd voices, and take in the sound of the night wind that traced across my uncovered flesh, to bask in the moonlight that danced across my flushed form.
Inhaling deeply, the crisp air pumping into my hungry lungs, I hummed softly.
It was exhilarating.
My arms reacted more on instinct, the targets becoming clear in my minds eye, not even needing the sight to see. I could feel them, all ten, swaying back and forth, calling to me.
The darts were not separate from me; they were a part of me.
Accepting was always the first step.
Even with my focus I knew that on the sidelines moonlight eyes were baring into my very soul, watching intently.
I could feel his heartbeat as if it was my own, pounding into my ears like a drum.
It was beautiful, like something I could not understand yet I felt the clarity of the moment.
I was going to win.
With that realization, I allowed the momentum of my body to release all ten of the darts from my grasp, each projectile soaring outward. The tips sliced through the crisp night air like nothing, each one reaching out to meet its match.
With a turn to face the by standers, I felt the silence before anything.
They all watched as every single one impacted perfectly with their targets.
Just as I knew they would.
The adrenaline coursed through my veins, my face flushing once more. Yet oddly, the crowd remained silent, staring at me in udder shock.
I smiled briefly, hiding my anger, feeling suddenly like a freak of nature on display. I shuffled my feet and my fingers unrolled the sleeves to my kimono wishing I could be anywhere but here.
My eyes locked with ivory gems, and I felt my breath catch.
He stepped forward, his form towering over me easily, but his eyes never left mine.
I wanted to run, to hide away from all the eyes that bore into my shunned appearance. I knew that no one would accept what I did. It was abnormal to do what I had just accomplished. Something that no one probably had ever seen. Something that Konoha had ran from, perfection from wanna be gods.
And yet his actions surprised me. I glanced down as his hands came together, clapping loudly to break the silence. I fought the tears that threatened to break free of my brown eyes.
Swallowing hard, I felt a shiver run down my spine as he stopped in front of me. His eyes never left mine, almost as if he was trying to coax me into not running, like he could read my mind.
His clapping didn't cease, it only picked up pace as he nodded his head at me in respect.
"Very nicely done. A worthy advisory is something I could never be."
His words cut through the silence awkwardly, and yet it was like it was all that was needed.
The people behind us boomed loudly, jumping up and down in excitement still shocked at what I was capable of.
I found myself unable to respond, only laugh awkwardly, my body shaking uncontrollably against the night chill.
Neji smiled and turned back to the crowd.
"Your winner!" that was Kakashi this time. I honestly had forgotten that he was even still within the circle.
My laugh only grew louder, my eyes spilling a few of the tears out of happiness now. I lowered my gaze to hide this little factor from Neji of course.
Brushing the wetness away, I decided running now would still be the better choice. I suddenly felt shy and awkward underneath the eyes of the judges and the crowd.
Without really thinking it through, I grabbed Neji's hand firmly and pushed through the onslaught of bodies to escape the attention I had earned but now did not want.
Neji resisted at first, his hand jerking me back slightly, but then he complied, allowing me to lead the way.
Out of the corner of my eye I briefly made out Hinata and Naruto both smiling towards our retreating forms, Hinata a little happier than normal. I faintly could see Naruto's hand on her shoulder, the two enjoying the festivities.
Halting at a bench in a empty section, I fell upon it gasping for air.
Neji stood in front of me, his chuckling tickling my ears.
"What was that about?" He asked in obvious confusion.
It was rather abrupt of me to take off running without notice. But I had suddenly felt claustrophobic, the crowd closing in on us and examining me in thrill and amazement. I didn't like the feel of it, like I was under observation. I could feel the men sizing me up, trying to believe that I had been able to actually use any type of weaponry in such a mastery way.
"I'm not to fond of large groups." I huffed. My breath still fighting against my needful lungs.
He scoffed at this and shook his head, "Could have fooled me."
I turned to him and sighed.
"You seemed to be a natural performer back there. I think that's what really brought on your win."
His eyes searched mine, waiting for me to continue with my usual banter.
And yet, I suddenly felt too exhausted to even try.
Slumping my shoulders, I shrugged.
"You're just being a sore loser. That and you can't accept that you were harshly beaten by me, a mere girl." My eyes shone brightly in the night, accepting any challenge head on against my better judgment to leave it be and relax.
What was it about this damn Hyuuga that left my every nerve on edge?
Neji coughed and ran his fingers through his now loose, long, jet-black hair.
My eyes on him must have made him feel a little uncomfortable because he squirmed in response.
I shivered once more, bringing my hands to run up and down my arms for warmth.
Neji stood straight up and lowered his gaze to mine.
"You must be cold. Even so, I would not be very gentlemanly if I did not mention how breathtaking you look tonight."
His tone caught me off guard, and I found myself staring rudely at him. My face was probably not very inviting, in fact I knew it wasn't because I could not believe that Neji Hyuuga had just fed me a compliment.
The moment was over before I even had time to comment, he turned from me and bowed his head.
"I find myself loosing my purpose tonight. I rather enjoyed our little competition but I can not detour for long my duties and sole purpose for being here."
He spoke distantly and I could see his walls building once more and locking any joy that he had from our night away for later.
Duty. Honor. Purpose.
Those were words one were to live by as a Guardian of Konoha.
Those were words that I did not know much about. How could someone so young be so serious? It baffled me.
"Purpose? I thought everyone's purpose tonight was to begin the celebrations. Is it not something to be celebrating for?" My eyes lingered upon his back, watching his muscles tense at my words. It was amusing as each taught line flexed under the white fabric that he wore. As if they were alluring me into a state of pure enjoyment.
I shook off my haze and focused once more on the now. God, I was becoming more and more aloof as the days went on. Is this what they mean by coming of age? I sure hope not. If so, I need to stop the hands of time now so that way I can remain at least somewhat appealing.
"I should get going…" Neji spoke softly over his shoulder, averting his gaze from mine.
I suddenly felt a sense of panic. I don't know why, but I didn't want the Guardian to leave me. Like if he did something awful would happen.
Reaching out swiftly with more speed than I should possess without falling flat on my face, I grabbed his hand and grasped onto it grimly.
"Please don't…"
I lowered my eyes to the ground, sounding hurt and small. His eyes widened, turning to face me.
His hand felt like a jolt of electricity down my arm. What was it about his skin that could make mine feel like it was burning atop a fire?
Feeling rather shy, I kept my face down, looking at his feet.
"Stay with me…" My words were alien even to me, but they left my mouth before I had a chance to wonder what I meant.
What did I mean?
Why was I suddenly acting so strangely?
Neji let his fingers close around mine, and he returned my grip reassuringly.
I had completely forgotten the fact that he had been the one to save me about a week ago. That I had ran after a damned ghost, and fallen prey to my fears. That I had made a fool of myself more than once in front of this very man.
What he was thinking was probably along the lines of me being a defenseless woman unable to take care of herself.
Stammering with my words, I shifted uncomfortably under his stare.
"I mean, my friends left me and are probably off enjoying the nights festivities with someone else. I don't want to be alone for the rest of tonight…"
I knew that there was no way that he could tell me no. Not after such a stupid stammer and girly statement as that. What was I doing?
He nodded his head without saying anything and I felt his hand close around mine. His strength was something I wasn't ready for as he pulled me from my resting place.
I didn't register it at first, and I fell forward not able to catch myself under my own feet.
Falling forward, I braced myself for impact. But it was an impact I was not prepared for.
I fell head first into Neji, my palms resting and gripping onto his robe-clad chest. My feet folded under my legs, collapsing beneath me in betrayal. Neji reacted fast, his moves almost inhuman as he caught me before I could cause any further damage to either of us.
His arms encircled my petite waist and he pulled me to him, my face being crushed against his hard upper half. I felt a ooze of dizziness over come me at the impact and my legs lost all sense of up and down.
"Whoa, I gotcha." His breath was warm against my ear, sending chills down my spine and causing me to shudder.
Closing my eyes tightly, I tried to focus on what was happening. My brain couldn't piece together anything, like it was a never-ending black abyss.
"Are you alright?" Again his voice was like a sauna against my cool flesh. I felt my cheeks rise in color and knew that my heart rate was anything but normal. My breath came harder and my chest ached. My throat suddenly felt very dry and I needed something to drink, now.
"I-I don't know." I stuttered, trying to comprehend up and down. Hot and cold. Soft and hard.
Stop thinking. Tenten, get over yourself. Who are you lately?
His hands brushed down my back, sending my mind into over drive and I didn't know how much of this soft and hard, hot and cold, that I could take. It was maddening.
Why was I letting the Hyuuga get to me? What did this all mean?
I was so lost in my own confusion that I didn't even register the fact that Neji was picking me up into his arms, carrying me bridle style.
My eyes widened and I panicked, my hands gripping onto his shoulders rather roughly.
"Calm down, I'm not gonna hurt you." His eyes sought out mine, and he suddenly felt very…what did he feel like?
Why was me being in his arms sending jolts of sensations to my brain?
My thighs tingled in the feel of his arm under them, my body crushed against him and relying only on him.
I felt safe. Yes, that's what the word was.
Why did I feel safe? Well of course, he was a Guardian for goodness sake. It was his job to make me feel safe.
And yet this was a different kind of safe. A safe that I have never felt before.
"I will find you."
I do not know why the words chose to haunt me at this very moment, but they did. Neji must have sensed something was wrong because I could feel all the color leaving not only my face but his also.
"What is it?"
How could someone's voice sound concerned yet hard all at once?
It must be a Neji thing.
Shaking my head, I closed my eyes allowing my cheek to fall against his shoulder.
"It's nothing." My voice betrayed me also, not sounding very assuring.
"I should get you home."
I smiled vehemently, more at myself.
"How do I keep managing to embarrass myself in front of you? I better be careful or people will think that I am swooning over you."
Neji's chest shook with his laughter. It was a kind of music to my ears that I had never heard before. He didn't seem like the kind that laughed or even smiled a lot and that made it even more precious to me.
"You should laugh more often." My voice was soft, my mind dimming at the relaxation. I could almost fall asleep at this very moment but I knew that it would not be wise. I needed to see this till the end.
I knew that he felt a little uncomfortable at my remark. He probably wasn't used to talking to someone like me. I have a curse my aunt and uncle say.
It's called not thinking before speaking. And it gets me into more trouble than it's worth.
"I'm sorry, I know I talk too much and say things that make you feel odd. My family says it's a curse that I have," I laughed a little at this sharing that I was doing, " I have a tendency of saying things without really thinking them over or even considering the other person. Its something that I find can bring more trouble than I need."
Neji smiled at me, I knew this because I could feel it in his very being. My eyes opened and I found a beauty that I could never forget. His moonlight eyes bearing into my boring brown and the smile on his face touched by the gods.
"I believe that you are the beautiful one." My words shot out, I bit my tongue and shook my head. God, I am so very stupid.
Seriously, I did not just say that.
Who calls a man, let alone a GUARDIAN beautiful?
All I wanted to do right now was run far away and hide from any further embarrassment. I was such a danger, to myself that is.
"You are full of amazements Tenten. I don't believe I have ever met someone like you." His tone was new to me at first and I found it hard to decipher exactly what he meant. Was that supposed to be a compliment? Or an insult?
"Shall we get you home?" He asked. I knew that deep down that was not what I wanted. I didn't want to be stuck inside the house right now, not while so many confusing thoughts were tormenting me.
But I knew he couldn't stay by my side all night. Of course he had duties to attend to. It would be selfish of me to wish anything else.
Bowing my head I tried to hide my disappointment but only nodded.
Neji must have sensed my sadness, his hand gripping onto my hip a little, to make me look at him. Which actually it did a little more than that. My blood was boiling in response to being so very close to him. It was almost unfair how much I wanted to continue further with our little meeting.
I knew that I could walk, I hadn't hurt anything. I had just lost my balance and was caught off guard. But yet I didn't have the guts to say otherwise. I was really enjoying being carried by him, I would not admit this aloud though.
Before long we found ourselves on the walkway before my house once more. It seems like this moment was doomed to happen between us more than once. My eyes searched my house to see if anyone was awake. Of course my aunt and uncle were. I could hear laughter coming from inside which caused me to sigh.
"Is there any way you could leave me out here? I rather enjoy the night and don't wish to retire as of yet."
Neji seemed to be waging a little war within. His sense of honor probably was fighting against his sense of compliance at my wish. But he also probably knew there was no way he could force me into the safety of my home.
Being in his arms though, felt safer than any place I have ever been.
WHAT am I thinking? This is not me. I do not think about mushy things such as this. This is Neji Hyuuga we are talking about here. I am the last person suited for a half god. I was nothing in beauty compared to that of someone like Sakura.
I shivered at the feel of the breeze over me.
Neji shook his head. "I'm afraid I must make sure you seek warmth. And out here you cannot get that. Besides, your clearing, which is where you probably wish to return to, is rather a ways away from here and its getting late and cold. This kimono isn't something to be wearing at this time."
Grinding my teeth, I bit down my frustration. I knew there was no winning.
Sighing, I nodded my head.
"Can you at least just put me down for now? I will walk in on my own shortly. I don't want to leave my Obi and Oji-san with a reason to ask a bunch of questions."
Neji understood my concern and smiled. "Afraid of them seeing you in my arms are you?"
"Not for me dear, for you." I smiled and laughed as his fingers brushed against my side tickling me slightly.
Setting down, he waited for my feet to plant firmly against the ground before removing his hands from my body. I immediately felt the difference in my body temperature. His warmth was something apparently I had been relying on. His hands left a trail of fire that I wanted once more.
I hid all these emotions from him, or tried. My face most look rather lost and confused.
"Goodnight Tenten. I did rather enjoy this years festival for the first time."
I blushed at his statement. It is rather odd that I have never seen him at any of these over the years. His sense of honor and duty probably wouldn't allow it.
"As did I, thank you for everything Neji…" I searched his face trying to feel if I crossed the line. Someone in his line should be called a name of respect and yet I preferred his real name. It felt right.
It didn't seem to bother him, he bowed once more, taking my hand into his and placing a small kiss upon my knuckles before turning to disappear beneath the very color of his eyes, the moonlight ivory that I have grown to love even more after tonight.
Hugging myself, I turned back towards my house. My skin still tingled with sensations that I was not accustomed to and I found myself looking forward to our next meeting. Hopefully there would be a next meeting.
Stopping in front of the door. I paused briefly to listen in.
I could hear hushed voices from within and something stirred within the pit of my stomach.
My nostrils flared outward and I found a hunger that I had forgotten about earlier. Why had I forgotten to eat at the festival? It wasn't wise with my health as of late.
And yet an alluring smell reached my nostrils. A smell so pungent, yet enticing. It intoxicated me. I found myself wanting to drink more in. My throat burned in anticipation and I swayed against the night air, feeling rather drunk off the allurement.
What was that lovely smell?
My mind hazed over and I placed my palm against the door sliding it open and entering slowly.
I walked in and was bombarded with eyes upon me.
"Tenten-chan! Welcome home our youthful flower!"
Oji-san and Oba-san were kneeling before the living room table with bowls before them, their eyes dancing up and down my form. To their right also sat Tsunade-sama with a smile bright as ever.
Yet I could only stare at the bowls.
"Please tell me there's some food left for me." I mumbled, my face showing my obvious
pain, my stomach growling loudly to add further.
The three laughed and waved for me to enter.
"I'm sure we can find something for you to eat dear." Their eyes seemed to dart back and forth to one another, holding a secret conversation.
"You look lovely Tenten, how was the festival?" Tsunade beamed at me, her eyes raking over my kimono.
I flushed instantly averting their stares.
"Did Neji bring you home?" Oba-san asked, bringing me a bowl of soup as I kneeled at the table to join.
"How did you know I was with Neji?" My curiosity got the better of me. They couldn't of known.
Did they see what happened?
"The Guardian?" Tsunade suddenly seemed rather serious.
"You must stay away from him. Listen to me when I say this Tenten, it is unwise for you to dabble with something you know nothing about."
Her words stung at me and I found myself wanting to fight back, something I would never even dream of doing against my sensei.
"Nothing happened." I lied to even myself. It was for the better at the moment.
My Oba and Oji-san looked at me confused and turned to face Tsunade.
"It is nothing, they are young Tsunade. It is a different time than before. He will overcome what you fear not." Oba-san spoke sternly.
"I know otherwise. I trained him to not for this very reason."
A/N: Bum bum bum… I love cliffhangers. Please tell what you think!