Hiyaz! Srry couldn't upload past few days. Have I told you how much I absolutely loathe math? Especially when it's so easy, but you have to do a plethora of questions +100? Anywayzzz...erm...let's get this show on the road! f*ck yeah!

Disclaimer: Naruto sprouts kitty ears and Kishi still won't let me have him :'(

And all flames shall be used by Itachi cosplayers (btw I don't cosplay)

TIMESKIP WARNING! (cos there's nothing much to fit in between okay!? I hope ur not too mad...)

The Value of a Soul

Chapter 23: When It's All Said and Done

"Brother..." Hinata stepped into the west garden. "It is high time we ate." She paused, and stood underneath the shade of a weeping willow, watching the form of the emperor.

Neji knelt on the cool grass, flute in his hands. He could hear his own music growing more melancholic with each note that floated out into the still air. His ears caught the words of the brunette, but as usual, he could not bring himself to stop his rendition.

After a few more minutes, a low note trilled off into the evening sky, and he set the instrument down, and glanced up at the sky, which was now coloured in a pale hue of peach due to the sunset.

"You may go without me," he answered, without turning to face her. He heard a small, barely audible sigh. Footsteps were the only sound that could be heard as she retreated back into the palace.

He glanced down at the silver instrument, before standing up, taking it in his hand, and heading back by a different route. Being careful not to run into anyone, he made his way to his quarters. His guards were on break, so he stepped into his room.

Slowly, he stepped towards his bed, and unlocking the cabinet, he slipped the flute carefully into it, before snapping it shut. Straightening, he stared straight ahead, as if in a trance. Quietly, he sat down on his bed and took off his coronet.

Since two years ago, it was twined with a branch of laurel fashioned cleverly from gold. Stroking the fissures with a long index finger, he set it down on a small desk beside his bed.

Sliding off his bed, he proceeded towards the balcony. Once outside, he breathed in the cool air, shivering slightly as a breeze whipped at his loose hair. Heading to his east, he stopped, and stared at the sight before him, sighing, as he closed his eyes, and knelt on the rapidly cooling stone tiles.

Set before him, was a clearing of flowers in vibrant colours that somehow managed to contrast, and not clash with each other. In the midst of them lay a still figure. For two years, the corpse had not shrivelled, neither had the flowers it was set in died. If not for the gaping wound in the chest of the figure, one may have even thought he was sleeping.

Tentatively, the brunet reached forward, and laid a pale hand on the blonde's forehead, allowing it to slip down onto his cheek. Unhurriedly, he stroked the whisker markings on the cold tanned cheek. His fingertips barely brushed over eyelids that would never open, and slid down, resting on the wound directly above his heart.

Removing his hand, he stared at the face that had a vulpine quality to it. He could hear a knock at his door. There was only one group that ever knocked on his door at this hour. He sighed again, and turned to the door.

"Come in," he stated, as bland as ever. He did not count on them being able to hear him. The door opened, and the five walked in, headed in his direction.

The redhead walked ahead of the rest, and added another deep crimson rose to the other eight-hundred and forty-six that were already there, before stepping back, head bowed.

"He didn't do anything to deserve this," was the low murmur. All were dead silent, as they stood around the fresh body that still seemed alive, if not for lack of heartbeat or pulse.

The sun went down, and the sky darkened. Opalescent eyes drifted to the star scattered heavens. He bit his bottom lip, and staunched another sigh from escaping his lips. His eyes roved to the five gladiators, four of which were glancing surprised at the albino. Neji noted that he had not spoken a single word at their time here.

His head was facing the sky, and when he turned to the four pairs of eyes watching him, purple orbs held an apprehensive look in them.

"Something..." he began, but then drifted off. He winced slightly, and glared at nothing. "Let's get the fuck out of here! It's late!"

However, this time, the other's agreed with him. Neji watched as they left his quarters, before standing up, and heading indoors, shooting a last glance at the body laid out on his balcony.

Unclasping his silver hair clasp, he laid it alongside his coronet, before lying down, facing the roof.

Hinata stepped into her quarters, followed by the ever loyal Tenten. Quickly she dressed into a shift, and sat down on her bed, gazing out at the night sky. Tenten stood beside her.

"According to the studies...?" Hinata shook her head.

"I...I hope he doesn't suffer insomnia tonight..." she murmured. The brunette raised an eyebrow.

"Are you implying that he's mentally unstable, Princess?" Hinata shook her head frantically.

"No, no...of course not...it's just that, well, he's more of emotionally unstable, if you understand. If the studies were correct, this could drive him into a mental breakdown," the raven replied. The servant-girl bit her lip.

"He's refused personal aides ever since, and he's grown from hostile and antisocial to...depressed and antisocial, and I'm not even sure which one is worse! If you'll forgive me for saying so, Princess," Tenten remarked.

"No, I understand. I'm honestly worried though. It's been two years after all," the princess replied. There was a faint howl in the distance. "We're safe for the day I guess," she added. Tenten nodded and smiled.

"It's been two years, and I still don't understand why he's decided to stay," she said. Hinata smiled slightly.

"I did hear him mutter something about not letting anyone get to the body of his former vessel, but that doesn't explain everything," she queried. Tenten nodded.

"Do you think he knows something we don't?" The princess nodded.

"Of course he does. He is after all, a demon," she answered. Tenten bit back a smart comment, and grinned wryly.

"I see. I don't know why I didn't think of that before," she responded sarcastically. The raven-haired girl laughed.

"Yes, but I'm sure he does. And he also has all right to keep whatever he knows to himself, right?" The brunette nodded in agreement. There was silence for a few moments, before Hinata sighed. "I hope he doesn't see it."

"Yes...me too," the brunette replied. She sighed. "And if he does, I hope he doesn't take it badly."

The two stared out the window at the darkened sky, and watched intently, as if waiting for something.

"You should try and rest, Princess," Tenten advised. No reply. The brunet blinked, and sighed. "You should. I don't want to have to put up with you, if you'll forgive me for saying so, when you're too tired to be in a good mood." Hinata giggled.

"Oh all right. You have a point." the ravenette agreed, laying down. "Good night."

In another part of the palace, a very uncomfortable brunet sat up, and winced. He was in for another extremely uncomfortable night. About two hours had passed, and still no hints of sleep would cross over his eyes.

Groaning silently, he slipped out of bed, and made his way to the balcony, dark-brown locks swishing along his thighs.

Getting hit by a cool breeze, he sighed, as it relieved the humidity he was currently feeling. Standing against the railing, he watched the sky.

He tried something he hadn't done ever since he was a child. He began to search for constellations to amuse himself. Sighing, he stared up at the star dotted sky, breathing in the crisp night air.

He didn't know how long he had been out there standing on his balcony, and simply watching the stars, when the glowing red light hit him. He blinked disbelievingly, as his eyes drifted over to it's source.

He bit his lip until red dripped off it. Licking it off, he moisturised his now dry lips. No! Not again! He had seen this once, and he had hoped he'd never see it again.

Taking a few steps back, as the red light bathed the city, he faltered. He heard a howl afar off, and automatically knew something was amiss. Gritting his teeth, he backed away as the red stole across his figure.

Retreating into his quarters, he stood against a wall, panting slightly, and gazing outside with wide eyes. Shutting his eyes he sank down slowly to his knees, and waited.

He didn't know how long he sat there waiting for the light to return to normal, but he suspected it was for about an hour or so. He didn't dare reveal his pearls just to see that godforsaken sight when he looked outside.

"Neji, open your eyes."

The emperor could feel a warm hand on his shoulder. He shuddered, and turned away. He heard a small sigh.

"Neji, it's gone. Open your eyes." The brunet slowly cracked open his eyelids to reveal twin pale orbs. He slowly, almost disbelievingly turned to face the figure in front of him.

"No..." he breathed. Lips curved up into a gentle smile as the figure knelt in front of him.

"Yes," was the reply, followed by a small laugh. Brilliant blue orbs sparkled happily as the blonde pulled him into a gentle hug. "I've come back." The brunet slid back against the wall away from the blue eyes that he never thought he'd see again.

"No...this is all a dream. I'm dreaming aren't I?" A sad look passed briefly over the blonde's eyes before he stood up.

"If you really do think this is all a dream, enjoy it. Then in the morning, I'll prove to you that this is real," he stated, holding out a hand. Neji hesitated, before reaching out, and clasping his hand around the tanned one, and standing up with the help of the blonde.

"Did you miss me?" he asked, his eyes fixed on the brunet. There was a long period of silence between them. Neji glanced up at him, expression unreadable.

"I...Did you?" he quickly asked. The blonde sighed.

"You did not know how happy I was when this was revealed to me," he said. "As in a mode of being able to get back." His lips curved into a toothless smile. "Yes. I did," he answered. Neji looked at the ground, and moved closer ever so slightly, it was more like a shift of his weight.

"I...I...yes," the brunet simply answered. Naruto smiled, and hugged him again. Neji caught sight of his chest. The gaping wound was still there. "Doesn't that hurt?" he asked, pointing at the injury. Naruto glanced down at it, and grinned.

"Not really. It'll probably take time to heal though. After all, if I'm not mistaken, it's been left two years untreated." He glanced outside. Neji bit his tongue.

"Isn't there anything that can help it?" he asked. Naruto shook his head.

"These things take time," he replied. "Meanwhile, how are you? How's the kingdom? How are the gladiators? Who's Orochimaru's replacement?" he asked. Neji's lips twitched. Barely, but Naruto caught it.

"I'm doing all right, I guess. The kingdom is fine. I'm surprised they'd be doing so well being under my rule. The gladiators visited you every day. As for Orochimaru's replacement, we found one of the people who studied with him, Jiraiya." Neji replied. Naruto frowned.

"What do you mean you're 'surprised they'd be doing so well under your rule'?" he asked. Neji frowned.

"I know I've been acting like a heartless bastard. I was surprised they'd accept me so easily after all I've done," he answered. Naruto shook his head.

"Don't speak like that," he admonished. "I know you had a reason to act the way you do. That's why I was sent to you in the first place. But you've changed, Neji. I can see it in your eyes." Neji opened his mouth, but Naruto silenced him by placing two fingers on his cold lips. Naruto still couldn't get used to the fact that the prince was literally cold.

"Don't deny it. I was asking to see how you were from your terms." He smiled warmly. "Do you really think I'd just forget about you? No. You see, I've been watching you, Neji," he informed. Neji didn't know what it was. Maybe it was instinct or impulse. It was a strange feeling.

His arms lifted, and snaked themselves around the tanned slender yet muscular waist, as he pulled the blonde into an embrace. Naruto stiffened, surprised, before returning the hug.

THERE! HAPPY? YOU'D BETTER BE! Whew. Typing in capital letters is a huge stress reliever. Oh and by the way, if you didn't notice it will be for sure a TBC. K? Got it? Good. I couldn't exactly write a span of two years, so I stuck to a timeskip.

-Jeya-