Note: When italicized text appears between quotation marks, it means that a language other than human is being used. When italics appear without quotation marks, it will correspond to the characters' thoughts.
The dark silhouette of a huge beast loomed over the sun-drenched, wooded hills. An extraordinary creature was flying through the skies. The phoenix glided gently on the warm breeze with its silver wings, carrying two passengers towards their destination. Neji clung tightly to his father's waist and leaned over the immense bird to look down. The green hills stretched as far as the elf's keen eyesight could see, but he knew they still had a long way to go ahead of them. Not because he remembered it, for he was only a small child the only time he traversed the world outside Mildith Forest. He knew this from the stories his parents had told him about the war that divided the elves in two and that nearly wiped out all races.
In Neji's memory there were almost no vestiges of that time that had survived, but some small details lingered. He remembered the place where he used to live, a huge island far from the rest of the living beings, the only point in the world where elves lived. The paths and staircases were made of the pale gold that only his race could shape. The sound of the sea caressing its shores was constantly heard like a soft lullaby. Elves spent their long lives there, practicing the arts and strengthening their magic. The latter, although they rarely used it, allowed them to live forever, quickly heal any wound, and not grow old past middle age. Because they possessed all these traits, the elves had always felt superior to all the other races that populated the world. They considered that, besides themselves, humans were the only creatures with any intelligence, but they were also selfish and ambitious. There were too many who professed laudable values of conduct but transgressed them without scruple if they could gain an advantage for themselves. For this reason, the first generations of elves had decided to cross the sea to stay isolated on the distant island of Shinaime. Life had been peaceful until just a few years ago. Twelve, to be exact.
Neji was only five years old at the time, but he had heard the stories. According to the adults, a man in the lowlands had lost his mind. His corruptible human soul had succumbed to greed. Madara Uchiha was his name. He considered it unfair that only some creatures had the power to wield magic, that humans had short lives, and that when they died they abandoned existence completely, unlike the elves, who merged with nature once they reached a certain age. Ignored by the other humans in his quest for justice, he had found help in the most despicable of beings: the dark wizard Orochimaru. He quickly agreed to Madara's request, knowing that by granting so much power to humans, imperfect creatures, chaos would be unleashed. This is how Madara gained the ability to use magic. But his weak mortal body could not resist it, and his mind collapsed. He desired to conquer all races, and eliminate those who refused to serve him. Using the dark magic received from Orochimaru, he performed forbidden curses on the remains of creatures of all species dead centuries ago. By mixing them aberrantly with each other, he gave them life and a limited conscience, bowed by obedience. He thus created the orcs, crude and brutal beings who followed him meekly, constituting an implacable army. They advanced through the world trying to take control of everything, and they would have succeeded if it had not been for the intervention of a group of elves.
Neji vaguely remembered the day when the dark news of what was happening in the lowlands reached Shinaime Island. A man had crossed the stormy sea on his own in a flimsy boat to ask the elves for help. He died of exhaustion shortly after reaching the coast, but managed to transmit the message for help. Neji's grandfather, Hayime, was the Noble Patriarch of the elves. Listening to the suggestions of his eldest son, Hiashi, he had decided to stay out of the disputes in the lowlands. The ruling had been that humans themselves had unleashed the conflict, and they had to solve it on their own. But not all the elves agreed. Especially the leader's youngest son, Hizashi, Neji's father. He led the group that saw it necessary to help humans and the rest of the creatures. He believed that the elves were wrong for keeping themselves isolated from the world, since they belonged to it like all other races, and they should protect it. So the elves were divided between those who did not wish to participate in the fight, and those who did. Their abilities to heal wounds and the skill with which they fought in battles, added to the bravery of the other races, were the factors that allowed them to win. Madara was defeated, and Orochimaru disappeared into the shadows as if he had never existed.
After the victory, the elves who had abandoned Shinaime preferred not to return. Hizashi still maintained that living isolated from other creatures was a mistake. But not everyone was grateful to their saviors. Most resented them for not having intervened in the battle sooner, which could have prevented many more deaths. They also distrusted them because of their special abilities. Non-magical creatures feared magic. The rejection they felt towards them after having helped caused the elves to lose trust in others, especially in the human race. They didn't consider themselves superior like the highland elves, but they couldn't feel good among them either. Neji remembered his father's words when telling him about the decision to look for a new home. "While many of the humans were noble and trustworthy, most of them were cruel. They enjoyed battles for the simple pleasure of killing and reveled in violence. They took advantage of the devastation of cities to steal and quickly gave in to delirium by abusing alcohol. We were not superior to them, but we were different."
They decided to settle at the other end of the human-inhabited lands, in the beautiful Mildith forest. That way they would not be separated by the dangerous sea, and they could live in peace, each race in their own space. Hizashi still maintained his hope of achieving unity among all creatures one day. Staying in the lowlands, although far away, meant being one step closer to his dream. Neji left Shinaime with his mother and other elves to join his father and the rest of the warriors at their new home. There he spent the rest of his childhood, living with fairies and nymphs in perfect harmony.
Until a few days ago they had received a call from the leader of the elves in the highlands. Hayime was about to reach the age at which he must depart from the earthly plane to retire to the ends of the world, where he would unite with nature eternally. It was time for his eldest son to take the place of Noble Patriarch. There would be a ceremony to say goodbye to the father, and Hizashi had been invited. According to what his father had told Neji, accepting the invitation was a symbolic act that represented peace among all the elves, so he could not refuse. They had then left for Shinaime, after twelve years of leaving.
Hizashi turned over his shoulder to look at his son, and this brought Neji out of his thoughts. "Did you remember to bring your bow and all your arrows?" the father asked in his soft elvish language, raising his voice to be heard over the sound of the wind.
Neji nodded. "Yes, father. But why would I need them? Grandpa invited us. He will be happy to see us."
A shadow spread across Hizashi's face. "Yes, Grandpa will be happy to see us," he agreed, but his tone showed concern. He looked forward again as the great silver phoenix brought them closer and closer to his destination.
After long hours of travel they finally spotted the elf island in the distance, a single glow of pale gold floating in the middle of the enormous dark turquoise ocean. As they approached Neji could see the tall towers of the Patriarch's castle, adorned with delicate pieces of pale gold that glistened under the powerful sun. The phoenix began to descend gently. Upon reaching the coast he stopped with a skillful flap of his wings. Father and son descended from the beast and were greeted kindly by a small group of people dressed in shining golden armor. They were the Passage Guardians.
Neji recognized among them the smiling faces of the only people he had considered his friends, since there were few elves his age in Mildith. Lee and Tenten were waiting for him anxiously, waving their arms in the air and shouting his name. The Passage Guardians were the only humans allowed to live in Shinaime. They belonged to very ancient strains of humans, who had retired to the highlands with the first elves. They were trained from childhood as navigators, since great skill was required to cross the stormy ocean, and it was known that the human race was the best at directing ships. Their job was to connect the elves with the rest of the world if necessary, although to date it had only been needed once: when Hizashi and his followers left the island to fight Madara. They also acted as translators, and their lineage ensured the preservation of the human language, since most elves only spoke the elvish language. Neji had grown up with Lee and Tenten until he was five, so he had learned the language of humans. He looked at his father, silently asking him permission to join his friends. Hizashi smiled at him and nodded. Neji ran to his childhood classmates who welcomed him with applause. Tenten hugged him and Lee wrapped his long arms around them both. Listening to their happy laughter was like going back in time to the days when the three of them played together on the seashore.
"I knew you would come!" Tenten exclaimed in his ear while still hugging him. When he pulled away a little, Neji could see tears of joy in her eyes.
He hadn't heard human language in twelve years, but he hadn't forgotten it. "I wouldn't miss an opportunity to see my friends," he told the girl in her language, with the perfect accent of someone who had learned it during childhood.
Still wrapping his strong arms around them, Lee turned to Neji's father. "Thank you for bringing him with you, Lord Hizashi." His voice was charged with emotion.
The man approached and smiled sympathetically at them. "It was his idea," he also answered in human language. "I intended to come alone, but Neji insisted. I think he missed you." Tenten held back a sob at those moving words. Neji hugged her again. He had really missed them. The Mildith forest was a wonderful place, but for Neji it had also been quite lonely.
Escorted by the Guardians, they crossed the golden city towards the castle of the Noble Patriarch. Walking those beautiful trails was like returning to infancy. The melodious sounds of elven instruments floated in the air as a warm welcome. Stationed on the sides of the road, the inhabitants of Shinaime greeted them enthusiastically. Although they had left the island due to differences of opinion, those elves had been their friends and camarades. Seeing them return was confirmation that those who had left were not renegades, but still respected and appreciated the highland elves. A climate of unity was perceived in the environment.
They arrived at the castle. The musical elves performed a welcome song, positioned on the sides of the great pearly white staircase. On the top step, before the huge, wide-open golden doors, stood the Noble Patriarch. Hayime watched them approach with a trembling smile. He didn't look any older than the others, but he was almost eight hundred years old. On his head was a delicate crown of golden leaves, a symbol of his leadership. Behind him was Hiashi. The eldest son remained serious, slightly out of tune with the others. Next to him Neji saw his cousin, Hinata, and his aunt, Hiriko, who were smiling kindly. The lady was carrying in her arms a little girl, no more than four years old, who Neji did not know. Hizashi approached and bowed respectfully at the foot of the steps. Neji imitated him.
"I am very glad to see you again, father," he said solemnly. "We appreciate the invitation. Our spirits rejoice to return to our beloved island."
"It is I who is happy with your presence, my son," Hayime answered. "Come closer, please. This old elf wants to hug his offspring."
Hizashi stood up and climbed the steps until he was in front of his father. They both hugged each other, and the instruments raised the volume of their melody celebrating the long-awaited reunion. When the hug was over, Hayime turned to Neji. "I can't believe this is my grandson," he commented as he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder affectionately. "You were just a little child the last time I saw you."
Neji smiled and bowed his head cordially. "I am honored to be here, sir."
Hayime shook his head slowly. "Please call me grandpa, like you used to. Pleasure fills my soul for having my entire family with me again." He extended his arms to encompass the newcomers, and turned briefly over his shoulder to look at his eldest son. "Hiashi, come welcome your brother and nephew."
The aforementioned took a step towards them. He smiled, although the tension that built around his mouth showed that he was only doing it out of commitment. "I hope you had had a good trip."
Hizashi walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "I am happy to see you again, dear brother." He spoke sincerely, but the feeling didn't seem to be mutual. Still, Hiashi made an effort to return the formality of the greeting. "I say the same," he replied. It didn't sound honest.
"Let us proceed with the banquet," Hayime announced. "We have prepared a feast to welcome you. I wish to hear all about your home and the curiosities of the lowlands."
They were led to the central courtyard inside the castle. There the elves had set up long tables covered with delicate tablecloths. They were full of succulent dishes. Everybody sat down to eat, and Neji reveled in the incredible flavors of the foods that grew on the island, reminiscing about the early years of his life. Hizashi told his father and those present about the journey of the elves who left Shinaime after the war, during which they traveled through the lowlands in search of a place they could call home.
"The other races did not take you in?" Hayime asked curiously. "After all, it was thanks to you intervention that Madara and the dark wizard could be defeated."
Hizashi shook his head. "All races were cruelly decimated by Madara's army. Their numbers were reduced almost to extinction. From that moment on they decided to remain apart from each other to preserve their own survival."
"Does it mean that some of our elves gave their lives to fight for petty creatures who didn't even thank them for their help?" Hiashi questioned in a pointed tone, although it was more of a statement disguised as a question.
Hizashi lowered his head, thoughtful. "In a way, that is how it was. But the attitude is understandable. The loss of loved ones and the fear of being eliminated led the races to withdraw into themselves, instead of choosing to live together in harmony. This is not a rational reaction, of course, but an emotional one. Fear limits the mind. To avoid suffering, creatures create defensive barriers that keep them safe, but also deprive them of the enriching experience of sharing knowledge between races. It is unfortunate, since a united world would be much more prosperous for everyone. But we cannot impose such feelings. Perhaps over time this will change, and we can build a collective future of peace and cooperation."
Hayime watched his son with great concentration and nodded his head. Hiashi, on the other hand, frowned in disapproval. "You have too much faith in worldly creatures, brother. Imperfect beings will never be able to live in harmony. Their nature prevents them from doing so."
Instead of arguing, Hizashi smiled benevolently. "Maybe you're right. My hopes may be naive, but I prefer to believe that all creatures have within us the ability to empathize with others. If I'm wrong, I suppose that makes me an imperfect being, and therefore, equal to them."
The Noble Patriarch watched him with admiration. "You speak wisely, my son. I think that living among other races has allowed you to understand them, and because of that you have generated great knowledge. I have lived here for almost eight hundred years, and yet I feel as ignorant as a newborn." He was silent for a few moments. It seemed that troubled feelings were struggling inside him. "Sometimes I wonder if it wasn't a big mistake to seclude ourselves on this distant island."
Hiashi's face hardened even more. "What are you saying, father? It was the right decision. We are superior to those creatures and do not belong to their world."
Hayime nodded, but he looked sad. "I used to think that, but now I'm not so sure about it."
Hizashi reached out to touch his father's hand affectionately. "You shouldn't blame yourself. Life is a constant learning, even for elves. The important thing is to look at the past with a critical attitude in order to project a better future."
Those present listened to the conversation with interest. Some smiled, moved by Hizashi's words, and others shook their heads, agreeing with his older brother. But no one dared to give their opinion. When the Noble Patriarch reflected, everyone fell silent.
For his part, Neji couldn't feel more proud of his father. He was an intelligent, kind and compassionate elf. He had been deeply hurt by the rejection of the other races after saving them from Madara, but he had understood them without judging them. He only found acceptance in the other magical creatures of the lowlands, the fairies and the nymphs. Non-magical beings would probably still be hostile towards elves and any creature outside of their race, but that was not enough to break his father's altruistic spirit. Seeing that Hayime understood and respected his position was comforting.
Dinner continued peacefully. The next day the succession of Hayime's position to his firstborn would be celebrated, and that same night the Noble Patriarch would depart on a raft to the ends of the world, where his spirit would unite with the forces of nature to live for all eternity. Neji and his father retired to rest in an impeccable room prepared for their visit. The beds had been set with the finest silk sheets made by the elves, and sweet incense scented the air. Hizashi walked over to the tall windows and looked out. His face, which a few minutes ago had been smiling and calm, reflected a strange concern now that they were alone.
"Is something troubling you, father?" Neji asked softly.
"To be honest, son, I have a bad feeling," Hizashi replied. He turned and sat on one of the beds. Neji sat next to him. "I am afraid uncle Hiashi is not very happy with my presence. He does not sympathize with my way of thinking, and he does not like his being questioned."
That much was evident, Neji had noticed it himself. "But that doesn't matter. After the ceremony we will return to Mildith and he will be able to rule as he pleases."
Hizashi didn't answer right away. He seemed to be considering many things. After a while he finally nodded. "Let's hope so." He stroked Neji's head tenderly and then got up to go to his own bed.
The next morning, while the elves were busy preparing for Hiashi's ceremony, Neji retreated to the coast to spend time with his friends. He walked barefoot on the almost white, sun-warmed sand next to Lee and Tenten. Taking advantage of every second, they joked and laughed like when they were little. When they returned he could see his father and his grandfather walking together along the shiny roads, talking quietly. He wondered if they were continuing the talk from the previous day. As the time of the ceremony approached he retired to his room to prepare. He found on his bed a beautiful pale blue robe with delicate silver embroidery. He put it on and went down to the great hall, where everything was ready for the succession.
The elves present were dressed in their best clothes. Neji found his father standing next to the golden throne of the Noble Patriarch, attired in a beautiful pastel yellow robe. He stood next to him. The Passage Guardians were also invited to the ceremony, but since they had lower rank within the island, they were located at the end of the room. They all wore golden armor, which gleamed in the sunlight filtering through the glass ceiling. Lee and Tenten were among them, waving at him. Neji waved back. Then Hiashi's family entered. Both he and his wife and his daughters looked majestic. They stopped on the other side of the great throne. Hiashi smiled and greeted the crowd sumptuously. He seemed happy for the first time since Neji and his father arrived on the island.
The musical elves began to play a pompous melody, and to the sound of their beautiful notes Hayime entered. The crown on his head emitted soft sparkles in the red light of the sunset that filtered through the enormous windows. He walked up to his throne and stopped, turning to look at the crowd. He spread his hands to the sides of his body and spoke in a sumptuous tone. "Welcome everyone. It has been more than five hundred years since we have celebrated a ceremony like this, since the day my dear father departed the earthly world naming me his successor. Today my spirit will reunite with his , but first I must give way to the new Patriarch." He looked at his two sons affectionately before continuing. "I am honored to have the presence of all my descendants on this memorable day." At these words Hizashi bowed respectfully. Hiashi just lowered his head a little. He looked noticeably anxious. "I have been reflecting a lot on the role of our race in the world. My mind and my heart have opened to the other creatures that populate our lands, and I see them now with different eyes. Humility has come to me shortly before leaving this world, but I trust that it will not be extinguished with my departure, and that it will extend to all of you." Neji scanned the crowd with his eyes. The elves seemed a little confused, but remained calm. "I believe that the Noble Patriarch must ensure not only the well-being of the elves, but that of all beings. My son Hizashi has pointed out to me that a united future will be more beneficial for all races, and I would not like to leave without expressing my consent. That is why I have made a decision that will surprise you, but I firmly believe it is the right one." There was a great silence in the room. Even the instruments had ceased their melody to listen carefully to Hayime's speech. "I wish that my successor in this important position will be my youngest son, Hizashi."
A murmur of astonishment spread among everyone present. Hiashi clenched his fists and took a step forward. His face was contorted with rage. "WHAT? You can't do that!," he exclaimed angrily. "I am the firstborn! I am the rightful heir!"
Hayime raised a hand to calm him down. "Let me explain, please." Hiashi waited, but did not back away. "You have great qualities, my son. But you lack the sensitivity and empathy that your brother has managed to develop by leaving to the lowlands. I believe that these are fundamental characteristics in any leader, and that under his leadership the elves will be able to begin a new stage of harmony with the rest of the world."
Hiashi shook his head, indignant. "I have been preparing my entire life to take on this position! You can't choose someone who left, and who gives more importance to inferior creatures than to his own race! "
Hizashi stepped forward and spoke timidly. "Father, I cannot accept. I must return to Mildith with my people, and this situation is not fair for Hiashi. He is right in saying that he is the rightful heir, and he will undoubtedly do a great job as Patriarch."
"Stop pretending," Hiashi replied scornfully. "Don't act like this wasn't your plan all along. That's the real reason why you decided to return. You want to take my place!"
Another sound of surprise rose from the crowd, who watched open-mouthed.
Offended, Hizashi puffed out his chest with pride. "I have returned to say goodbye to my father and to honor my brother. I don't want your position. I'm only interested in returning to my family."
Hiashi took a threatening step towards him. "CALUMNIES! You have convinced father to supplant me!"
Hayime raised his hands again to calm the waters. "Silence, both of you. Nobody has convinced me. It's a conclusion I have arrived at for myself. Hizashi, I believe that you are the one to unite the highland and lowland elves again, and that you will make peace with the remaining races. It is a difficult job, but I trust you. Hiashi, please do not resent me for this decision. Seeing your brother govern will serve as a lesson for you, and you will be able to obtain from him the wisdom that you still lack. I know it hurts you now, but it is the best for everyone."
Hiashi was furious. He seemed about to lunge at the old man, but his wife approached him and stopped him by placing a hand on his arm. This calmed him momentarily, but his eyes still glowed with hatred.
Ignoring the confused murmurs of the crowd, Hayime stretched out an arm towards Hizashi. "Come closer, my son."
Neji looked at his father's face. He was really uncomfortable. He approached as the old man indicated, but implored him to change his decision. "Father, I beg you to reconsider. This will only trigger conflicts."
Hayime put a hand on his shoulder reassuringly. "I ask you to trust me. This will be my last act on this earth, and I want to do what I see fit. Now bend over. It is time to crown you." Still hesitating, Hizashi turned over his shoulder to look at his brother. He glared at him, gritting its teeth like a ferocious beast. But there was no possibility of contradicting the Noble Patriarch. Against all his wishes, Hizashi knelt in front of his father. Hayime took off the delicate crown of golden leaves and placed it on the head of his youngest son. "Elves of Shinaime, receive now your new Patriarch, Hizashi, son of Hayime, who will guide you all to better times." Some elves applauded enthusiastically, but most were still too confused.
Neji looked at his uncle's family. His daughters and his wife looked at Hiashi with concern. Fortunately the elven musicians resumed the ceremonial melody, dissipating some of the tension. When Hizashi stood up again, Hayime grabbed him by the arm. Then he stretched the other one toward his eldest son. "I ask you both to escort me to my boat, as a sign of peace between my descendants. It is the last wish of this poor old man."
Hiashi took so long to move that it looked like he was going to refuse the request. He finally let go of his wife with a sharp movement of his hand and approached his father. He let the former Patriarch take his arm, and the three of them began to walk towards the exit of the castle. Neji watched as his uncle gave his father murderous looks. What would happen to them now? Would they no longer return to Mildith? Would they have to ask the lowland elves to return to Shinaime? He didn't think it was possible that they would accept. His grandfather had acted as he thought best, but in doing so he had involved them in a major problem.
Still in shock, the elves and the Guardians accompanied Hayime and his children to the coast. Neji met up with Lee and Tenten and walked with them. They asked him if he was aware that this turn of events would occur, but Neji was as shocked as they were. They stopped at the shore of the immense sea, where a silver boat waited, gently rocked by the waves. One of the Guardians stood at the back, holding a huge oar. He would lead Hayime to the correct spot in the heart of the ocean, where the old elf would simply vanish into the white foam. Hiashi and Hizashi helped their father onto the boat. The elven instruments played a touching farewell song. The boat moved away until it was out of sight.
Some elves approached Hizashi to congratulate him, but Neji noticed that many more looked at him with resentment. They left the coast following Hiashi, who abruptly turned around and disappeared as soon as the silver boat got lost on the horizon. Once the crowd had dispersed, Hizashi headed towards his son.
Neji couldn't wait for him to start talking. He had too many questions. "What will we do now? Are we not going back to Mildith? What will happen to mom and the forest elves?"
"Calm down," his father soothed him. "I don't know yet, but we will find a solution. Now I must talk to uncle Hiashi. I have to try to fix things with him." He looked towards the place where his brother had retreated. Once again a shadow of concern darkened his face. He turned to Neji and placed both hands on his shoulders. "I want you to listen to me very carefully, son." He spoke in human language to make sure Lee and Tenten understood him perfectly as well. "If something happens to me, you must find Atzar and leave this island. She will take you back to Mildith."
Neji looked at him with confusion and fear. He had never ridden the phoenix alone, and he knew it to be a proud and temperamental creature. On the other hand, the thought of something bad happening to his father terrified him. "What do you mean? What could happen to you?"
Hizashi squeezed his shoulders firmly. "I don't know, but I want you to be prepared." He then addressed the two young humans. "You too. Promise me that if things get out of control, you will protect my son." Lee and Tenten looked at each other surprised, but nodded. Hizashi smiled briefly at them, and then turned his eyes to Neji. "Now go to your room. If I'm not back by midnight, I want you to leave. Without telling anyone, without looking back and without asking questions. You have understood?".
Neji was not happy with the situation at all, but he trusted his father. He assured him that he would obey, and then watched him walk away in search of his brother. Tenten and Lee accompanied him to the castle and tried to comfort him, repeating over and over that everything would be okay.
Neji arrived at his room and sat down to wait. He had no appetite and was sure he wouldn't be able to fall asleep. He waited as the sky darkened, his eyes fixed on the door, impatient to see his father return safely. He spent hours immersed in uncertainty, when suddenly piercing screams broke the night. He jumped to his feet and approached the windows. He couldn't see what was happening below, but chaos seemed to have broken loose. He heard feet running in all directions, and the screams multiplied every moment. Fear took over him. He was about to go out in search of his father when a high-pitched, shrill voice coming from the lower floors startled him.
"I KILLED THE TRAITOR!" It exclaimed, and repeated it over and over again in a mocking manner, as if it were a picaresque children's song. Neji didn't know who that voice belonged to, but it made him feel chills. As well as the fleeting question of who that individual was referring to by "the traitor."
"I KILLED THE TRAITOR! "I KILLED THE TRAITOR!" Resounded again.
At that moment he heard footsteps hurrying up the stairs towards his room. Instinctively, he grabbed the arrow case and pulled one arrow out, expertly placing it on his bow, ready to shoot.
Shortly after, the door slammed open. The agitated faces of Lee and Tenten appeared in the doorway. Neji lowered the bow.
"You're okay!" Tenten exclaimed, approaching to hug him.
"Of course I'm okay," the elf replied, confused. "What happened?".
Lee got behind them both and began to push them out of the room. "We must get you out of here immediately. There is no time to lose". Screams of terror continued to come through the windows.
Neji refused to leave without an explanation. He planted his feet hard on the ground and faced his friends. "I won't move until you tell me what's happening. Where is my father?".
Tenten's eyes filled with tears. She covered her face with her hands, bursting into tears. "Oh, Neji!" she stammered between strong spasms. "Hiashi has killed him!"
Neji's heart skipped a beat inside his chest, and an icy shiver ran down his spine. "No... It can't be true."
Lee looked at him with deep regret and glassy eyes. "I'm sorry. We didn't see it with our own eyes, but other Guardians told us. Hiashi and other elves are attacking everyone who wanted to follow your father, and they are the majority. They have already killed dozens of elves and Guardians."
Neji was dumbfounded. He understood that the deranged voice he had heard repeating that cruel phrase belonged to his uncle, but it was distorted by the madness that had taken hold of him. The idea that his father had died did not fit into his mind. He couldn't believe that he would never see him again. He shook his head, but couldn't say a word.
"Now they will come for you. We must get you off the island," Lee insisted. Neji listened to him, but he couldn't move. Tenten forced herself to stop crying and they both grabbed Neji by the arms and forced him to run down the stairs.
The castle had been transformed into a ruin in a very short time. The windows were shattered, and the thin gold curtains were up in flames. They had to avoid the inert bodies of some elves that were lying on the floor of the great hall. This made a deep impression on Neji. Death was everywhere. While he tried to move forward he thought of his father, lying on the ground like those poor unfortunates. But Tenten and Lee hadn't seen it. Maybe he wasn't dead. If he was still alive, Neji had to go to his aid. He stopped suddenly, ready to fight his friends if they dared try to stop him. They halted and looked at him.
Before Neji could say something, a crazed laughter echoed through the castle walls. Hiashi's almost unrecognizable voice came to them from somewhere not too far away. "ELFISH SUPREMACY HAS BEGINNED! ALL RACES WILL BOW BEFORE US! "I AM THE NOBLE PATRIARCH OF THE WHOLE WORLD!"
"What are you doing?!" Tenten shouted. "We have to get out of here!"
Neji saw the terror on his friend's face, but he couldn't run away like that. "I must find my father. He may still be alive. I have to…"
The horrible laughter was heard again, this time very close. It came from behind him. Neji turned around and saw the silhouette of Hiashi advancing over the bodies of the deceased, laughing like a maniac. He wore the Patriarch's crown on his forehead. The pale gold material now featured scarlet flashes. In one hand he dragged a sword stained with blood. In the other he was holding something that Neji couldn't make out. "Are you looking for your father, dear nephew?". He slowly walked towards them and picked up the strange object. The glow of flames climbing up the curtains illuminated it briefly, and Neji saw in horror what it was: his father's head. His neck had been severed with a clean cut, and a dark liquid was dripping from the ends of his hair. His face had been frozen in an expression of pain.
Neji thought he would scream at such an image, but the screams only occurred inside his head. Pain and fury collided inside him. Almost without being aware of what he was doing, he readied the bow again and aimed it at his uncle. He released the arrow without stopping to think, willing the sharp point to embed itself directly into the forehead of that horrendous being that now looked like a monster.
But the arrow did not reach its destination. A cloud of dense black smoke violently entered the room through the shattered windows and deflected the arrow, which flew in another direction and ended up falling to the ground. The strange black smoke swirled in the large room. It was so strong that Neji had to crouch down a little to avoid being dragged away. He watched as the ethereal substance began to agglomerate next to Hiashi, who did not seem fazed by the effect. He continued to laugh, now louder, after having seen Neji's futile attempt to kill him.
The smoke became more and more compact, until it acquired a human shape. The black cloud transformed into a dark robe, and a deathly pale face appeared upon it. The eyes of that being were yellow like those of a reptile, and his mouth smiled maliciously. Neji had never seen that individual, but he knew that the only beings capable of appearing that way were wizards.
He heard breaths of fear behind him. His friends had also understood what they were up against, and knew that they didn't stand a chance against a wizard, especially if it was who Neji believed. The only thing they could do was try to escape. He took a step back, still looking at his uncle and his creepy henchwoman.
"Are you leaving so soon?" asked the stranger, dragging his syllables like a snake. A purple forked tongue peeked out from between his teeth, making his smile even more terrifying. "The rebellion has just begun."
Lee and Tenten drew their swords, which glowed with elven magic, and placed themselves between Neji and the enemy. "You are the dark wizard!" Tenten shouted with a trembling voice, but without letting her guard down. "You are not welcome here!"
The hooded being laughed in a sly tone and gently patted Hiashi's shoulder, who couldn't stop giggling hysterically. "The new Patriarch does not think that way."
Neji didn't know how it had happened, but he understood that the dark wizard Orochimaru had come to stir up the chaos. He had probably convinced his uncle to murder his father and start a rebellion, pushing him towards madness in exchange for more powerful magic, like he had done with Madara before.
If they fought against him, they would undoubtedly die. If he had been alone he might have done it anyway, as revenge for his father. But he couldn't force his friends to throw themselves to death. They could have escaped the danger, but they had stayed to protect him. He had to get them out of there at all costs.
The dark wizard raised his arms to attack. Neji didn't know what kind of magic he was capable of, but he wasn't going to waste any time finding out. He again took out an arrow and placed it on the bow, but this time he pointed upwards, towards the glass ceiling of the great hall. As he was behind Lee and Tenten, the dark wizard did not see what he intended to do until the golden tip of his arrow crashed into the glass, which shattered into a thousand pieces that began to rain on their heads. Orochimaru was forced to redirect his power to protect himself and Hiashi from the crystals. He raised his arms upward and the sharp fragments were pushed away by an invisible force. Taking the opportunity, Neji put away his bow and took his two friends by the wrists. He pulled them toward the exit.
They went through the door at full speed. Outside the fire spread everywhere, devouring the vegetation and raising thick clouds of black smoke. The three friends advanced without stopping amid the desperate screams of the dying.
They reached the coast and approached the place where Hizashi's silver phoenix was waiting for them. But when they reached his side they stopped in horror. Someone had cut the throat of the animal, which lay dead on the rocks. Its beautiful silver feathers had been dyed black as all traces of life left his body.
It was almost as shocking as seeing the corpse of his own father. That brought back the image of Neji's father's head hanging from his uncle's hand, and he felt paralyzed. The pain of loss increased, immobilizing him. Fortunately, Lee and Tenten remained sane, and were determined to keep the promise they had made to his father to protect his son. They took Neji to the port of the Guardians, where the boats used to cross to the lowlands were moored. They climbed onto one of them and released the ropes.
The sea was very rough, as if infected by the disturbances that were occurring on the island. But Lee and Tenten managed to keep the boat stable, using the reinforced gold oars that the elves had provided them to overcome the stormy ocean. They moved away from the shore between the crests of the waves, looking back to see the golden castle engulfed in flames. The screams of some poor unfortunates could still be heard.
That was when Neji couldn't take it anymore. He fell on the bottom of the boat and cried, thinking about his father. Tenten hugged him and cried with him. In respectful silence, Lee continued to guide the boat away from the island that had been their home, rocking sadly on the rough waves.
Hello everyone!
I know I've gone too long without posting anything, but I'm back! I really really like this story and I'm very excited about it, so I can't wait to see if you liked it as well! As always, I'm sorry if the English is a little weird, I'm still having a hard time with the translation.
I want to thank those who comment on my stories, it is because of you that I always return to writing and that I can find the passion for telling stories again! I couldn't thank you enough =)
Until the next chapter! (I will try to make that soon)