The Path of Destruction

Chapter 7

By: Aireonna

Disclaimer: I do not own any of Naruto.

A/N: I'm on a roll! Here comes another chapter.

"I know otherwise. I trained him to not for this very reason."

My eyes widened in shock. I didn't really understand her true meaning behind such words, but they made my blood boil nonetheless. I have never wanted to defy Tsunade; she has been someone that I have looked up to since I came to Konoha.

But at this very moment, I wanted nothing more than to break her every rule.

"Nothing is happening between me and Neji and that's that." I ground my teeth together, turning my focus onto the bowl of soup that had been slid in front of me.

Oba-san cleared her throat, "Tsuande, you can't possibly think anything bad could happen after a simple night such as this."

Tsunade shook her head; her blonde locks falling around her face.

"Shizune, I cherish having you and Gai around more than you know. And after all these years, I have not said a word on how…" She cut off swiftly, her gaze sweeping over me.

I felt uneasy and clueless. I had no idea what they were talking about, but I knew it somehow was related to me.

My anger continued to churn, but I decided it would be good to feed before anything else. I was probably not helping the matter by being fatigued.

The smell met my senses and I found it to be intoxicating once more. The color was rather dark, and it looked like there wasn't much in it to be …soupy, but at this very moment I did not care. Broth was delicious also, especially on an empty stomach.

Lifting the bowl to my lips, I sipped down some of the dark liquid. My body froze mid swallow, allowing the temperature to become accustomed to my taste buds.

Speaking of taste buds, mine were currently on overdrive.

My throat expanded and contracted in anticipation of the liquid that now poured down it.

I found myself gulping the whole bowl down within seconds. I could feel the eyes upon me, watching in horror.

My heart raced and my stomach growled for more. This was the most detectible soup I had ever tasted.

"Tenten-chan, slow down, your dripping." Oji-san laughed, bringing a towel to my chin to wipe away the remains.

He glanced at it and pulled away quickly, like whatever he saw on the rag was abnormal. I shrugged it off and turned my attention back to my sensei.

"This is exactly what I mean, she is innocent, pure, unknowing." Tsunade's words stung a little. This was coming from my mentor, my teacher, and the person who I wanted to be like.

"Neji is dangerous, he is not human and it would be very unwise for our dear Tenten to involve herself with such."

I couldn't take it any longer. I know I was only making matters worse by arguing, but hearing her talk about Neji like he would kill me or something, made me scream.

Standing abruptly, I pushed myself away from the table.

"Tenten-chan, calm down, you're going to ruin your beautiful kimono." Shizune's words didn't reach my ears; I looked once more at Tsuande, my eyes ablaze with anger, before turning and exiting our home.

Balling my fists at my side, I let my head fall back and my eyes find the object of my affection. The full moon burned brightly in the night sky, welcoming me.

Inhaling deeply, I allowed my body to rejuvenate in the beauty of the night.

"…what you've done! We can't…she has to be ready…"

I could still make out words coming from my home, voices now louder than the normal. Closing my eyes, I sighed. I needed to get away for now.

I could make out Tsuande over all, coming closer. She was probably coming to find me.

Deciding quickly, I began to run away from the only home I've ever known.

Tonight, I needed to be alone.

Picking up the pace, I welcomed the burn in my lungs as the air fought to break free in my run. My legs quivered beneath me, but yet I didn't find it painful. The normal ache that took over when I ran wasn't there, like this was something simple and easy, even if I found myself flying through the open village.

There were still people gathered here and there, the festival coming to an end. But it never really ended till the last day, people celebrated at all hours of the day and night.

Turning away from the village, I allowed my body to go on autopilot, seeking out my favorite place.

As I stepped into my clearing, I found all the anger and frustration from tonight slipping away. The confusion of Tsunade's words no longer burned within me, fueling the fires.

My eyes swirled around me, checking out my surroundings and making sure that I was completely alone.

Coming to the conclusion that I was, I took in a deep breath. My kimono felt heavy upon me, my skin glistening with a thin layer of sweat. I suddenly felt stupid for not taking it off before I had made my get away, but it was too late now.

My eyes glanced nervously around once more before I shrugged off my kimono and exhaled deeply as the cool air brushed across my bare flesh. Laying the beautiful fabric upon my stump, I stood only in my under garments and a light yukata I had worn under for the cold. It wasn't much though, with straps as thin as a string of yarn, and it only reached my thighs, I felt as if I mine as well be naked.

I should be freezing, I know that, but my body was still heated in anger. I have never been told to stay away from someone. Never needed to, and now that I have, I found that I hated it.

Why should I stay away from Neji?

He saved my life, more than once. What was such a danger in that? He was protecting me, even from myself.

This brought a smile to my lips.

Sighing, I rolled my shoulders to try and force myself to relax a little.

Twirling around, I was like a sponge, absorbing my freedom and clarity of the night.

Turning swiftly towards the woods, the hair on my neck suddenly stood on end. The air around me didn't seem right all of a sudden. It felt heavier, thicker, and odd. A faint buzzing noise vibrated my eardrums, my brows knotting in confusion.

What was that sound?

It was almost like the resonance of a bee's nest, the inhabitants buzzing around all at once, but that was unlikely since it was probably past midnight.

Pushing towards the hum, I walked slowly to the edge of the woods. It was coming from inside the dense area.

I almost could smack myself for my own stupidity. Did I not learn anything from my last odd noise?

Getting closer to the woods, I pushed aside a few branches as they dared to try and slice into my bare flesh. I stopped soon after though as two figures ahead came into my line of sight.

They were still quit a ways away but I could see two people standing.

The air grew thicker and I found it harder to breath, my lungs gasped for the little air they found.

My skin tingled and it felt like fingers were brushing across every inch of me. The buzzing noise grew louder and it was almost as if I could faintly make out a high pitched song.

What the hell was going on?

"You have no idea what forces you're meddling in." The voice came out in a low growl and it made my stomach turn upside down. I had heard that voice before. Yet it seemed masked now, changed.

A girl's giggle carried itself across the air and from here I could just barely make out a small dainty hand come up to brush the side of the others face.

"And you have no idea what kind of woman you are messing with."

I knew that voice instantly. It was a voice I have grown up with. What was Sakura doing out here, in the middle of the night?

I grew more unease quickly, something was going on. Who was she with? My concern for her almost took over, but I stopped myself from approaching. It wouldn't be very smart if I broke in on something personal and Sakura would never forgive me for interrupting.

And ironically, I couldn't turn away. I knew this was probably falling along the lines of peeping tom, but this was my friend, I couldn't walk away without knowing she was safe.

Another growl came into ear shot, sending a chill down my spine. It was almost animalistic and unnatural. It came from the person she was with and squinting my eyes, the figure started to look familiar.

If it weren't for the muscle and spiky hair, I would have never guessed that the growl belonged to Sasuke. Which only made me feel even worse.

There was something about him, something that made me want to run.

Red eyes flashed in my mind, making me jump slightly.

I couldn't get scared, they would hear any further movement and giving myself away would not be bright right this second.

Listening in once more, I tried to lean in some without making any noise.

"Why do you try to resist something you cannot?" Sakura's voice was like silk against bare flesh.

"You do not want to further your actions." His low monotone voice was rough and harsh. I could feel the intensity of his glare from here.

"Sasuke, what are you afraid of?" Her words seemed incomplete, like there was a history behind them that neither of them needed to speak aloud. The air grew thicker.

Grunting, Sasuke shook his head. "You need to walk away now."

He stepped back one step, but her hand only dropped to his chest. From here I could now make out that it was bare, his white skin glistening against the ivory rays of light.

"I do not fear you." Her head dropped with her whisper, her chest rising in falling in deep breathes.

It was almost like she was running, the air becoming harder and harder for her to gasp.

"Then you are stupid. I fear me." I could tell his words were meant to be harsher than they came out. His voice was scruffy and yet softened some how. I watched as he raised one hand and brushed the side of Sakura's face.

"I will get what I want, I always do."

I almost laughed at Sakura's words. They were truthful. Sakura always got what she wanted. If she didn't, she sought after it until she did succeed in doing so.

Sasuke growled once more, jumping back from her.

This time the air felt as if I could slice through it. The buzzing dulled and was now a full on high pitch scream. I fell to the ground below me, clutching my ears. What was going on?

Sakura clutched her hands to her sides and allowed her green gems to take in Sasuke before her.

"I will not lose."

Sasuke grunted once more and turned swiftly, disappearing in a blink of an eye. Literally, I blinked and he was gone. How in the world did that happen?

I gasped in air, inhaling and exhaling swiftly, my hand clutching at my chest. My throat burned and I found that I was instantly thirsty.

And then it was over. The air returned to normal. The night breeze dancing along my skin like nothing had happened.

I clutched the ground beneath me and tried to regain my balance. Closing my eyes, I felt sweat trickling down my spine.

"Do you enjoy putting yourself in these situations?"

The voice caused me to scream, but before it escaped my mouth, I bit down on my lip hard trying to hold it in desperately. I could taste the blood instantly, the iron and salt taking over my senses. What was it about ones own blood that left such a taste? And why wasn't it making me sick to my stomach?

When my eyes opened, I found that Sakura had disappeared also, good. I didn't need to give away that I had been listening in on her and Sasuke's private moment.

My heart slammed against my chest over and over defiantly, my stomach threatening to release the delicious liquid I had enjoyed earlier. Why was I so jumpy?

I didn't need to turn around to know who the voice came from. It was obvious. Plus I was beginning to grow used to it.

"Neji…"

Saying his name loudly made me realize just the situation he was referring to.

My eyes shot open and I ran my gaze up and down my form. I was wearing close to nothing.

I felt him approach me from behind.

"What are you doing out here? I thought I left you to the safety of your family." His voice was harsh and quick, like he was currently searching the area trying to find something.

"I could ask you the same question."

I stood swiftly, brushing my knees and front side of the dirt and leaves from the woods. I was grateful at least that my hair and face was presentable. My hair still held tightly in the customary wrappings that matched my kimono and my face still reflecting the make-up job done by Sakura.

I lowered my gaze to the ground as I turned to face my intruder. I would not look into his and further my embarrassment. Wrapping my arms around my upper half tightly, I shivered slightly against not the cold, but the awkwardness of my current circumstances.

"And the "situations" that you are referring to are mostly your own fault. So really, I should be asking you Neji, do you enjoy catching me at times like this?" My arms sprawled outwards, swiping up and down my body.

I thought we were passed this. Earlier tonight had been something different, something enjoyable. However, here we were once more back at square one.

My blood began to boil once again. I had just made a fool of myself in front of my family and mentor over this man before me, and now I was wishing I hadn't.

My eyes flashed a sort of pain and anger all at once and I watched as Neji's softened. Now he chooses to step down?

Grinding my teeth, I turned my attention back to the moon behind him.

"What brings you here?" My voice must have caught him off guard because his face went blank and his eyes seemed lost.

I wasn't stupid. I knew my question was probably something he couldn't answer. Drinking in his appearance I could see he was still on duty. Even if he lied and told me it was to find me, I knew differently. Neji was a Guardian, a protector of our world. He was here because he had to be.

Bowing his head he nodded.

"I sensed something abnormal, I came here to track it and dispel of it."

I blinked a few times, surprised at his honesty.

"Why here? As you can see, its only me." Stepping forward, I grabbed the kimono from its current resting place and held it tightly to my chest, covering me a little more than before.

A crimson shade flashed across Neji's cheeks. Was he blushing?

This almost made me want to smile.

"I know otherwise. I trained him to not for this very reason."

Almost.

There were many things I did not know about the Hyuuga before me, and maybe it was best that way.

"I warned you before how dangerous it was out here. I will not warn you again. You shouldn't be out here."

He stopped swiftly, his eyes turning from me and eyeing the forest floor. They seemed to change before me, into something I had never seen. It was almost scary looking at them, like they could see anything, see through anything. Looking closer it was almost as if they had their own pulse.

Stepping backwards, I shook my head slightly, breaking my concentration on trivial matters. Neji was blessed by the gods, he had powers that I could never even dream of. I shouldn't gawk at such things.

Neji bolted forward, wrapping his arms around me, before I even had time to register his movement. Wow he was fast. My breath hitched and my skin burned once again at his contact.

Everywhere his skin touched seemed to catch on fire instantly, my eyes closed tightly and I tried to remember how to breathe.

OOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

A wolf's howl brought me back to reality. My eyes widened and I suddenly established I could no longer breath.

Neji tensed, I could feel his muscles spasm beneath me. My brain didn't recognize it though.

The wolf's call echoed in my mind. All I could see was flashes of white and red.

Teeth bearing at me while blood spilled to the ground below. Swords clashed and people screamed.

A great moment to allow a memory lapse.

Neji shook me violently, I could vaguely hear him calling my name.

Did I black out?

Shaking my head, my buns bounced with each sway as I fought back the haze that threatened to pull me back into my subconscious.

"Are you alright?" His voice was soft and I could faintly feel his hands atop my shoulders. His skin brushing against my bare flesh was like a hot poker jolting me back into my own body.

Blinking away the fogginess, I nodded. My throat was parched and dry which made it impossible for me to respond. Swallowing hard, I attempted to allow my saliva to moisten my mouth, but it wasn't working.

I watched as Neji's eyes left me and scanned the forest around us. What was he looking for?

He turned back to me and removed his hands, "I'm sorry, it seemed as if you were here, but not really here."

His eyebrow quirked, like his statement was confusing.

I nodded once more and hugged the soft fabric of the kimono tightly to my chest. My flesh still burned from where he had allowed his fingers to touch and it was a dull ache that begged for it once again. What was wrong with me?

"You should head back, it's not safe out tonight. I must get back to my duties." He bowed his head and stepped back away from me.

My chest ached suddenly, watching as he began his departure.

I knew that if he walked away now, I would probably never allow myself to lay eyes on him again. Even as much as I hated the idea of Tsunade's words, I knew that she would convince my guardians that it was for the best and they would follow her every move. From there, it would only be a matter of time that they were stuffing her words down my throat and making me believe them.

It hurt to think that I would even consider following such an insane order, but I knew from past experiences, I wasn't very good at fighting them.

"Ne-Neji…" I stammered, reaching my right hand out towards him as if it would stop him in his tracks.

Which ironically, it did. His ivory eyes met my brown, locking instantly, searching for a reason behind my hesitation.

"Please don't…" My voice was still raspy, and I found myself wishing for more of the delicious soup from earlier.

His eyes never left mine and they seemed to fade in and out from focusing on me. My will power to run to him and make him stay was almost unbearable. And I found myself staring at him and willing him to want to leave. But at the same time wishing that he would realize he didn't need to, that he needed to stay with me.

Neji nodded his head, which confused me.

"I shall stay with you for a little longer, the others will succeed without me for the time being."

That was the first time I had heard him mention anything about the other guardians. I knew that there were many Hyuuga's. Hinata was one herself, but she didn't spend all of her time "guarding".

Trembling, I bowed my head in thanks. Why did I want him to stay with me? Was it out of pure defiance to my mentor's words? I was right when I had told her nothing had happened, so why did I want to think otherwise?

My body began throbbing an odd drum, my ears echoing faintly at the beat of some unknown rhythm. It almost sounded like a heartbeat. I wouldn't be surprised if it was my own. It felt as if it was trying to break free.

I stepped one step towards him unknowingly, my eyes tracing up and down his form. He stood before me; jaw clenched and hands in balled fists at his side. He seemed tense and ready to pounce at any moment.

And yet I continued to step forward, like his body was calling to me. My chest burned and my head seemed rather dizzy. The drumming became louder against my eardrums and I found it hard to hear anything else. With each step I took, it sped up.

Neji grew tenser as I stopped in front of him, almost close enough that our rising and falling chests would touch if I moved any further.

"Do you hear that?" I found myself asking. It was more enticing than the buzzing from earlier. The buzzing was an irritating sound, one I would rather not hear again. This drumming was soothing, calling to me and making me wonder why I had not heard it before.

Neji shook his head. Watching this was even more hypnotizing; the swish of his long hair across his face and body was so…god like. His beauty was nothing I had ever laid eyes on.

"Are you sure you are alright Tenten?"

I smiled at the use of my name. I hadn't really heard him say it many times. It was like music to my ears. Or rather it would be if I could hear anything other than my own personal tune that echoed through my body.

My senses dimmed and I found it hard to keep my eyes open against the loud drumming. Neji leaned forward, his hands resting on my hips. His fingertips felt like hot coals against my cold sides.

The sound was lulling me into a dream like state. My eyes closed finally, my lips moistening with the tip of my tongue playing across them. My hands traced up his arms, enjoying the feel of his muscles beneath the robe he wore.

"I'm supposed to stay away from you." The words left my mouth before I could even think otherwise. I almost didn't recognize it as my own voice. It sounded so inviting and had a pull to it. And I sounded like I was drunk. But for some reason, I felt like it.

"I wouldn't like that…" His voice was soft and tender; I could feel the breath brushing across the cheeks. It sent a chill down my already cold spine.

Did I mention that I have never kissed a boy? That I have never even been in the situation to even try?

And yet, my body was moving on its own, my hands lacing around his broad neck and finding their place in his silk like hair.

Neji groaned as I pressed my body firmly against his. His hands gripped my hips hard and before I knew what was going on, his mouth was upon mine. His lips kissed my soft with such hunger that I found my stomach growling in need. My body instantly felt on fire, a sensation that I am very unfamiliar with. His hands tightened and one traced up and down my back.

I pushed against him harder and I felt his tongue trace its way across my lower lip, which brought a grunt from me. The appendage was so entrancing and felt like heaven as it trailed its way into my parted lips. I subconsciously felt him push us both back and I felt the bark of the tree before realizing that he was lifting me upwards, my feet leaving the solid grown below. I felt as if I was soaring through the sky, his hands leaving burn marks everywhere they touched and the bark rubbing roughly against my innocent flesh only adding to the experience.

It was a pain that I would welcome over and over again.

So much for nothing happening between Neji and I.

My tongue entered a dance with his and I knew that this moment would be one I would cherish forever. This is how every first kiss should be. Mind blowing.

Stars danced across my vision and I felt like any moment I would fall off the deep end. But Neji's hands on me brought me back to reality. My fingers dug into his shoulders as he kissed me harder, my breath coming short.

"Mm, Neji." I moaned softly which forced him to grunt. He kissed all around my lips and I fell in love with his kisses right there. His lips were the softest things, softer than any fabric I could think of.

My eyes flew open as the drumming in my ears suddenly became louder than humanly possible. Neji continued with his touching and his lips found mine once more. My eyes watched as he tenderly kept on. It was like I had stepped out of my body and was just along for the ride. I nipped at his lips softly, giggling at the intensity that it brought forth, the pain and pleasure mixing for him and causing his grip to tighten on my small form beneath his larger.

And that's when it happened.

I could taste his saliva, feel the wetness against my lips and then it was something completely different. My eyes widened as a new taste captivated my taste buds. It was like an explosion within my mouth and my body knew instantly that this was an elixir I could not live without. It hungered for more and I growled in anticipation.

My hands gripped the back of his neck roughly, my neck turning to the side to angle my body for easier access.

My tongue began lapping around his mouth, taking in everything that was Neji. My mind was numb completely and my body was pulsating against the new sensations. For some reason though my mouth ached, throbbing against the new feelings my body was enjoying. But it didn't stop me from dwelling upon the mind numbing affects of this elixir.

"Tenten-chan!"

The voice was so sudden and so strong, it felt like a wave of some sort had been pushed against me causing me to drop my arms from Neji instantly.

In doing so, Neji fell limply to the ground below, my feet lowering to the ground easily as if I was floating.

My mind was racing and my body felt otherworldly. I was suddenly confused and lost, not understanding anything that was happening. And then I felt angry. Very angry, for being interrupted.

My gaze fell upon my Oba-san and Oji-san and I stood there staring at them.

Their eyes were open wide, gaping at me in shock.

"It has begun…" Oba-san whispered, her hand covering her mouth.

Oji-san shook his head, and I glanced down at myself wondering what could bring forth such a reaction. Other than Neji out cold at my feet and me wearing close to nothing, my mind didn't register anything out of place.

My tongue darted outwards, licking around my lips. I brushed the back of my hand against them to wipe any remains and my eyes caught sight of something strange.

A red liquid dripped from my fingers, causing my stomach to jolt.

I gasped loudly, my heart thumping abnormally against my rib cage.

A/N: And another cliffhanger! I updated pretty quick this time. I have so many ideas flowing right now, that another chapter should be out this weekend! Please tell me what you think so far! I need some feedback!