The Path of Destruction

Chapter 9

By: Aireonna

Disclaimer: Do not own, we all know how it goes.

A/N: Yeah, yeah, I'm done trying to make excuses. We all know that I completely suck in the updating department. But at least I'm trying?

It was a voice alright. Not one of my core. But one of my worst nightmare.

My eyes widened at what I found before me. The owner of the voice was the one person I was praying to the gods above would not follow after my little rampage within our household.

"Tsunade-sama." Neji spoke the words before I could even fathom what was happening.

He bowed his head in respect, which I should have done as well, considering she was the sole creator of our village and our ruthless leader.

Her eyes were cold. Ice cold. I could feel them reaching into the deepest parts of me that no other person should ever enter.

"I warned you." Her voice echoed through the night like thunder in the night sky.

My skin tingled as if raw electricity was brushing across my flesh.

The air grew thick and I found myself gasping for breath.

"Neji, leave this place. Now!" When she speaks, her words are final. No one questions. No one has a right to.

Why would you?

I could feel the tension in the air. Neji felt obligated to listen to his mentor just as I once did. But I could also feel that he felt the need to stay by me without really understanding why.

Hyuuga's have never questioned their authority. That is not a statement that is a fact. It just didn't happen. Yet here we stood.

I couldn't see his face, but I knew those moonlight orbs held questions and torment within not knowing quite what to do.

I tightened my fists at my side and removed myself from being plastered to his back. I would not chicken out. I got myself into this. It was I who decided to defy Tsunade on this night. I shouldn't have to bring him down with me.

Stepping away from Neji, I brought myself before Tsunade, Neji now at my backside. Gulping down my fears, I lifted my brown eyes to meet hers.

"Leave him. He knows nothing. I'm the one who you are angry with. I told you I will not stand aside and be bossed around like a child anymore. I do not understand your animosity to this whole situation and I will not be mute like so many times before."

I would have continued if I didn't feel the sudden urge to bite my tongue as Tsunade brought her hand up in a silence motion.

"You do not understand the dangers you are placing not only you in but your Guardian also. I am acting in such ways for your safety. For all of our safeties. You above all Tenten should understand that the safety of this village comes before anything else. You who have looked up to me since you came into my village. I will not stand down on this matter. Neji, I order you, leave now."

"Listen to the Lady young Guardian."

The intruder sent my body into survival instinct. I found myself in a crouching position ready to pounce at any moment.

My eyes searched the darkness. Which may I say seemed less dark to me at the moment. Like seeing at night is nothing different than the day.

"Jiraiya. Nice of you to join me." Tsuande smiled as the Wiseman made his way to her side.

Neji bowed his head once more and brought his fist to his chest.

I sighed in frustration. What was I thinking? Why did I even start this little war between Tsunade and I?

Bowing my head I lowered my gaze back towards Neji as I spoke.

"It's alright Neji. Leave."

I don't know if my fear and pain laced my voice, but if it did I wouldn't be surprised. The last thing I wanted was to be left alone with this infamous duo. But I didn't want to be the reason Neji hated himself. He would never be able to forgive himself if he defied his every fiber of being.

I didn't meet his gaze, for if I did it would surely be my downfall.

I could feel his eyes burning into my backside though.

"Listen to the girl Hyuuga." Jiraiya spoke once more.

Tsunade must have called him knowing that he would be the true piece to break Neji. Someone who he trained with and looked up to even more so than she. Jiraiya was the Wiseman of our village. The oldest of the males and someone who has always been at Tsunade's side. He was trained by the Hyuuga line to help protect our city. We believe more so because he loves Tsunade and wanted to be stronger for her. He is our own Oni slayer and village pervert all in one. But someone that Neji knew.

I was beginning to see evil in her actions. Well, maybe not evil, but deceit. There was more going on here. I could feel it.

"Tenten, I will return for you." His words were a silent promise between us.

I barely managed a nod without wanting to cry and run to him. My heartbeat was sporadic once more and I felt weak in the moment. I could feel his departure as if it was my very breath that was leaving my lungs.

Tears betrayed me and dripped down my almond skin. My buns bounced as I shook my head back and forth fighting the urge to leap forward.

"Why?"

Tsunade sighed and I could feel the look of disappoint flood her features.

Jiraiya was the one to speak instead.

"You do not need to understand her reasoning tonight young one. You will soon understand everything that does not make sense."

Tsunade turned abruptly to face her counterpart.

"We will not speak any further here. It is not safe." Her words were hushed and the air grew tenser by the second.

If I didn't know any better I would say that they were the cause of it.

I suddenly felt alone. Bringing my arms around me, I squeezed tightly. My eyes closed and I began to wish it was days before when everything seemed normal to me. When chores were the most of my worries.

Why was everything suddenly a riddle or puzzle of some sort? Like my memories themselves were not clear?

"No where is safe anymore Tsunade. You knew what you were doing when you allowed the three to enter this village. They swore an oath; no harm would come to any of your inhabitants. But this girl has not. She cannot be held accountable for her actions when she knows not a clue what she is doing."

I couldn't help but open my eyes and stare questioningly at the Wiseman.

"What?" I barely managed to whisper out.

My head ached, his words bringing up questions I didn't even know how to begin to answer. More riddles. What a great night this is turning out to be.

"Jiraiya! Are you questioning my judgment? I know what I am doing. Do you really think they are the first I have allowed into our safe haven? Humans are not our only inhabitants. You have known this for a very long time. I do not shun the Others. How can I?" Her hand rested upon her heart to emphasize her last statement. Like there was more meaning to it than I knew of. But Jiraiya understood, bowing his head with a look of worship and love clearly written across his features.

"What is going on?!" I screamed, wanting to be heard. It was like they totally forgot that I was in the same area as them. Everything they were saying made no sense to me.

Others? Was she saying not only humans reside in Konoha?

It was as if my whole world was meant to be shattered on this night.

It all seemed too much to take in at this present moment. I clutched my forehead and refrained from falling to the ground.

"It is too late to stop this, you know that as well as I. She cannot fight the change. It'll only kill her. We must allow the two to finish what they have started. It is up to her to choose the right choice after all is said and done."

Tsunade's words almost seemed familiar to me. Like I have heard portions before. But I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

"Then let it begin." Jiraiya's voice was the last thing I remember before I felt the cold.

Ice cold. Wrapping around my slender waist and pulling me backwards. I released a shrill scream and my eyes widened searching my mentors before me for answers. For help. For anything.

I reached outwards for them.

Then there was darkness.

A/N: I apologize for the shortness of this chapter. But I need to end this there. The next chapter is going to be set in Sakura's point of view and going to kind of backtrack to the moment between Sasuke and her in the forest and continue on from there to piece together some missing pieces leading up to where poor Tenten now finds herself. Thanks for reading! Update soon!