Chapter 2

Indeed, the Hyuga found himself on a horse in the wee-hours of the morning. As he slowly opened his eyes, he noticed his new handler was Itachi, who was holding his ropes as they went on. Itachi would converse with his other family members; cousins and distant cousins…in-laws of the sort. It was an interesting notion to hire families since one was never able to escape from them. The sound of Neji grunting caused Itachi to look over at him. The sun had barely kissed the sky as the prisoner's eyes flittered open and appeared puzzled upon first gaze.

"Oh, good morning." Itachi greeted as Neji slowly sat up on the horse.

"You weren't kidding…" he replied as he looked up at the sky.

Itachi gave a small smile and shrugged. They were all early risers with places to be and jobs to do. The Hyuga remained silent. He closed his eyes and took in the sounds of his surrounds. He did have a decent enough meal last night, perhaps he was able to conjure up some of his magic. With a few deep breaths and focus, Neji engaged his core and attempted to conjure…something…anything. If he could feel a ripple of some sort to his eyes or broken wrists, that would be a comforting sign that he was not fully useless in this moment. Inhaling, he squeezed his eyelids together. Anything. After a moment, there was a burning sensation that had creeped up from the back of his neck and grew towards his face. Yes, he thought. Just a little bit.

"You know casting will be seen as a threat, correct?" Itachi hummed nonchalantly tilting his head to the side slightly.

Neji's posture relaxed and he lowered his chin. "Casting is useless without enough energy to conjure magic."

Itachi did not respond. He had given a silent yet, knowing warning to the others that did not go unnoticed by the Hyuga as eyes began to shift towards him. The Uchiha guard remained calm as he sensed Neji's magic being conjured. This made Neji uneasy; how did Itachi pick up on the smallest amount of magic? There was an eerie air vibrating off of that Uchiha, Neji couldn't place what exactly what was making him a bit uneasy though. He was impressive for sensing what little magic he had within him, but there was something else. He was impressed, but also made a mental note to keep Itachi at a mental distance as they started to get acquainted. He would have to upon taking this contract; it would be in his best interest to be on indifferent standing with at least one of the Uchiha guards, just in case.

"How long have we been riding?" Neji asked finally.

"A few hours. We are ahead of schedule and will reach the main village gates shortly." Itachi replied, adjusting himself on his own horse. "Then you can be properly bathed and dressed, should you submit your application to his majesty the king."

Looking ahead, there were dozens upon dozens of guards in silver and blue coated armor; horses and footmen leading carriages of supplies. The prince, was good distance ahead. His cloak draped over his shoulders and hair tightly bound back in a pony tail which swayed as he bobbed along. Beside him was his Captain of the Guard and two others who rode a head of them. It was silent enough to catch a bit of the conversation between them.

"Captain Fugaku, do we have time to water the horses? I am a bit famished." The prince asked, not shifting his gaze to the captain.

"Yes, your majesty. We can pull over immediately."

The troop veered from the main path and set up the horses by a river bank. Itachi offered his hand to Neji as he motioned to dismount. Neji declined with a scoff, unsure if Itachi was mocking his broken wrists and frail condition by that helping hand. Itachi watched as the Hyuga slid off, gracefully and steadied himself onto the grass without a sound. He was indeed high skilled and conditioned correctly, the Uchiha thought. Even in his condition, when the Hyuga's feet landed upon the grass, not a single crunch, or shuffle was heard. He was led to a circle of guards where they sat and opened their ration bags for a quick meal. Itachi had offered Neji some of his own meal and some water as they sat in the group.

"You…are rather considerate for a guard." Neji commented after a while. "Is this your way to offer pity?"

Itachi chuckled and shook his head. It was a sense of morality…humanity. Prisoner or not, Itachi never acted unless provoked and always chose to show fairness. Most acted-on impulse based on their conditioning during training, however, Itachi found it rather reckless and beastly. Noble, Neji thought. The guards shifted to attention as the golden prince approached, his red cloak swaying behind him. A flash of his white leather gloves was enough for the guards be at ease before removing themselves from the group, except for Sasuke and Itachi who looked at the prince expectantly.

"Hyuga, let's chat." The prince announced. "I am going to give you some extra information before we move forward into the kingdom."

Neji's wrists began to throb as he side-glanced at the older boy standing before them.

"My father has other applicants than you…some of them of similar background to yourself. If I remember correctly, a young man hailing from the infamous Kiri Guild."

The Hyuga stiffened at the name. The Kiri Guild was violent and carried a lot of karma that would cause hesitation upon collaboration with any organization who considered working with them. He has encountered them only a handful of times in his work, however he would let himself refrain from getting too close. Not that he was scared; he did not wish to be caught in whatever crossfire was being established. Rumor has it that from birth, Kiri Guild members are bathed in blood, conditioned to take any kind of torture, and be punished if unable to meet expectations. Some wielded magic of the winds and could suffocate an individual from the inside. And if it was misty outside…the poor soul should start running. To his knowledge, the guild master was also the lord of the lands. The Hyuga's eyebrows went south at the thought of it. Itachi took note of Neji's reaction.

"Aside from that. The challenges will test different aspects of yourself; as far as I know they will be mostly magic based. I have no doubt you will excel at these tasks." The prince continued.

Neji leaned back slightly and sighed. "Why me…specifically? You have plenty of others in the prisons, and practically allies with readying soldiers who would be willing to take this contract. My family name is a rather risky option for your own reputation."

The prince clicked his tongue. Neji's eyes shifted to the sky as the crowned prince gathered his thoughts. The sun had begun to rise and the world began to wake as the sky began to shine a bright cerulean.

"Because…" the prince crossed his arms over his gold-plated chest. "I can separate the individual from the group."

Neji looked at him. He matched the prince's gaze steadily. "I could turn on you."

"I know."

"I could betray the contract and end your entire line."

"Yes." The prince stated. "That is precisely why I chose you."

Confusion sparked in the Hyuga's eyes.

"You," the prince turned his back. "Will be my wild card."

The prince walked off without saying another word. That statement held a lot of weight. Yes, Neji was capable to ending lines and turn himself into the enemy very easy. But as the prince walked away, Neji wondered what the prince had planned for himself upon taking this contract with him. It was the King's application, but the prince's pawn in the game. The prince had no intention of ending his own line, that is out of the question. But the hand of power the prince was given…the use of Neji's abilities, connections, his experience…the prince was playing a game himself. The Hyuga pursed his lips together as he heard a sigh next to him.

"Play well, Hyuga." Itachi mused. "Everyone will be watching."

Sasuke nodded his head at the Hyuga. "And just so you know, we can take you on if you decide to betray us. Which I do not think should be a reason why as you will be treated as if you were one of us."

Neji grunted. He did not know what he wanted at this point. He was taught to blend in and stick to contracts, rules, expectations all his life. Even when he began working on his own, he never strayed from his pacts and promises (although, promises came in short supply for him). He would do the same here; play the game, get his freedom secured, and feel around for the aftermath the closer he got to the end. Wild card, he thought. A smirk came to his face.

They rode up to the palace gates and the Hyuga watched as the grandiose golden gates slowly swung open. Guards and maids lined the cobble stone pathway towards the main steps of the marble and gold palace. The prince received bows and curtseys as he trotted in on his mare, giving a swift nod to the crowd as he went by. Neji was pulled up behind him as the prince dismounted his horse and began to climb the steps. The grand doors fashioned in red wood and a scene of carved dragons danced along the height. Gold was added to the dragons' eyes, teeth, and scales they gleamed in the sunlight. The Hyuga was grabbed by his arms, held tightly as he was led into the main hall where the royals held court. The prince stood before two figures who sat upon golden thrones with rubies and emeralds embedded in the many carvings and corners. The red cushions looked soft and velvety. Neji was stalled by the door, waiting to be addressed by the royals before him.

"I have returned, your majesties." the prince bowed

"Your journey was shorter than expected, Shin-Ten." The Queen stated softly, almost showing an inkling of relief.

The queen offered a small smile to her oldest child. Her bright red lips spread upwards. The rouge matched her powered cheeks and dress. Her eyes were shining in the room as the glass windows allowed for the sun's rays to wash over them in the hall. Her bright honey eyes reflecting gold. The Queen's hair was neatly braided and slung over her shoulder, golden beads woven into strands and that matched the tiara adorned on her head.

"Yes, mother. I have brought Hyuga Neji; as I said I would." The prince lifted his gloved hand to the guards behind him.

The Hyuga was brought forward and shoved to his knees by his handlers. Shin-Ten stood beside him, looking expectantly at the King. Neji's head lifted slightly and looked directly into the face of the king. Shin-Ten showed features of both royals, except his eyes did not shine with gold as the queen's. The King leaned forward as he looked over the applicant before him. His son pursed his lips together as he felt the tension raise up. Perhaps the prince was playing a dangerous game as he put his hand into to the pot rather last minute. He was warned by their advisors and court members alike; he should have left this to the men. Shin-Ten could not bring himself to let this transpire without him. If anything, it was to prove a point to his father, who had brushed him off upon giving judgement on the current applicants and their sponsors; each wanting a hand in the king's favor. He was told to choose wisely by his father, who took this as a challenge of leadership judgement.

"Hyuga Neji." The King finally leaned back in his throne. "Let us speak…man to man."

"More like man to coward…"

The bottom of Sasuke's boot kissed the back of his head, sending Neji's face into the marble floor. The Hyuga hissed as he lifted his face. There was a dirt smudge left behind, reminding him of his current condition. Damn, he was filthy…

"I am sure the terms of the contract were explained to you." The King said. "Though upon looking at the current edit…there has been some negotiations."

Shin-Ten remained unmoved next the Hyuga. The prince had went out of his way to amend the contract himself without first consulting his father. This was indeed a power play on the prince's part.

"I will grant you your request of eight years, as long as the rest of the contract is met in its entirety." His smooth voice boomed along the walls.

Shin-Ten glanced over at his mother, showing a twinkle of relief at his father's willingness to comply. The queen looked over at her husband and offered a sweet smile.

"Darling, we should allow them together themselves now that the matter has been settled." She looked at the guards. "Please escort the Hyuga to his new bed chambers and make sure he is mended to."

Before the guards could bring him to his feet. The king leaned his elbow on the arm of his throne, not matching his eyes.

"I expect nothing but what your reputation holds you to," the King flicked his hand to the doors. "Assassin."

The guards dragged Neji from the room and the doors were closed swiftly behind him. A smirk laid upon Neji's face as he was led to his new chambers.

Assassin.

The crowned prince remained in the hall, his back to the grand doors, his gaze upon his father. The king hummed to himself, as if waiting for Shin-Ten to give some comment, some last word in the matter that has been established.

"Shin-Ten, you are playing a very dangerous game bringing that Hyuga into this contract." The king's look became hard. "You know what they nuisance of a family did. There were plenty of other applicants for you to choose from."

"Now, Fei-Ten, I am sure your son has his reasons. The assassin is the same year as Tenten is he not? Perhaps they will get along." The queen stated.

"That is not what I am worried about, Xiao-Lin. He needs to be watched. He can pull a blade on my daughter at any time. And I am certain that Master of his has already gathered word that his protégé has re-entered the kingdom walls." The golden king groaned. "It's only a matter of time before he starts snooping about for him."

Shin-Ten cleared his throat. "Father, I believe you underestimate Tenten in her ability to protect herself. On top of our guards, you have also selected a master for her for self-defense."

"Yes, because that went so well last time." King Fei-Ten snapped.

The king held his son's gaze for a moment.

"One suspicion," he intertwined his fingers together on his lap. "One misstep and he is dead."

Shin-Ten nodded in understanding.

"And you," the king continued. "Will be punished as well."

Another nod from the prince. He was dismissed swiftly after; a promise. Shin-Ten did not see the look of concern his mother had sent his was. This was his chance to prove himself, the prince thought as he stalked to his own palace wing to change out of his armor and riding clothes. Maids and guards followed him to his rooms and began work to bathe and change him.

There were many hands on him in his new bed chambers. The Hyuga assassin was shuffled to the bathing room where a large bath tub was being filled with water and other oils. He was scrubbed furiously by the maids, wincing slightly as they ran their forceful cloths over his wrists; severely swollen and bruised violently in green and purple hues. His skin scolded red as hot water was dumped over his head. His hair was scrubbed vigorously but the maids. They were impressed with the length of his dark brown locks as they washed away the scum and added oils. The scent wafted into his nose; tea and flowers. His scars of past adventures, identities, and battle were now present upon his pale skin; the water now murky. He was rinsed once as he was hoisted out of the bath tub. Maids looked over his body once more before guiding his arms into a soft robe and leading him to the main room where his bed ad dresser were. He adorned a white cotton shirt and dark red trousers lined with golden thread. The maids went to work trimming and detangling his hair, returning it to a silky state. Standing in front of the full-length mirror, he paused. He was still ghoulishly pale; his muscle tone had decreased while in prison. His hair was kept long, landing in the middle of his shoulder blades. A smirk came to his face; he was still damn sexy.

That smirk soon faded, though as his eyes landed on his forehead. A tattoo that had taunted him for most of his life; a magic seal bestowed upon him by the head of his family. A reminder of subordination, was the explanation, of being less than. Neji knew the real reason; the fear of being over powered. He held power greater than the head of his family and the elders that had once held great respect for him the day he showed signs of being a prodigy. Cowards. He thought to himself. He looked over the wardrobe and pulled a sash from one of the clothing articles that resided in it. He tore away at the silent fibers and wrapped the scraps over his tattoo. The maids said nothing as they awaited an order.

"What now?" Neji asked.

"You have been summoned by Lord Uchiha after you have completed your bathing." One of the maids stated. "Before that, is there anything we can do for you?"

Neji hummed. His bruised hands lightly brushed against his pants. Red, was not his color. He requested that his belongings from the assassin keep be delivered to his room at once. He craved his own tunics and boots. The maids gave a swift nod and made their way to the door. The maids chanted a greeting as two men walked into the room and looked over the Hyuga's current appearance.

"We have come to fetch you." Itachi announced. "To meet the princess."

Neji's brow twitched. "My wrists-"

"Will be healed after, you meet her." Sasuke rolled his eyes and turned his back to the Hyuga assassin.

The Hyuga followed the Uchiha siblings out of the room and down the hallways. There was temple like windows that allowed for the sunlight to illuminate the way as they walked. Guards were posted along the walls and stationed at doors in pairs. With each tun, Neji memorized the distance between his own room and the main corridors, his eyes danced around, the stairs, the windows, the doors leading to other wings of the palace. They exited a side entrance that led to a garden. The garden was lush and bright with smells that tickled his nose as they walked through. Itachi explained that the other applicants were already settled for a few months. Introductions were already made to the princess as he was the last to be added to the roster. The prince joined the race last minute, Neji thought to himself as he looked over the large stone fountain they had walked past, its sprinklers pouring out sparking water in to the pool. They walked along the path to a separate house. It had three floors, a balcony on the top floor facing the palace gates that stood from a distance. The building was adorned in gold and rubies that mimicked the style of the main palace. The windows were also grand and yet were designed differently with thicker boarders. Neji blinked as he noticed discoloration bordering the windows; a sealing spell. Two people stood at the doors to this mansion. Captain Fugaku leaned against the main doors as they approached. Next to him, and older lady with blonde hair pulled back into two low pony tails. Neji cocked an eyebrow as he noted the purple diamond that lay upon the center of her forehead. She too had been sealed, it appeared. Her hands were folded over her rather large chest and as she looked him over. Judging by her threads, she was a noble of some standing. Though, her face did look familiar to him as they got closer. Perhaps he has seen her before in passing? Her magic lay quiet, but there was just something about her that tugged at his mind. Around the mansion held more Uchiha guards, walking about, leaning against the building's walls, crossbows, swords, daggers…they were ready for any threat it seemed.

"Is the princess ready?" Itachi asked his father.

Fugaku looked towards the lady standing next to him.

"She is finishing up her lessons any minute now." She said looking over at the clock tower in the distance.

Neji's gaze traveled to the massive clock tower. The minute hands ticked over the twelve at the top, but it did not chime. Curious, Neji thought. He never really thought the clocktower worked since he never heard any chimes coming from it when the hour hit. The had assumed it was just a forgotten heirloom form past royals. Itachi nodded at the Lady and watched her amber eyes flicker back to the Hyuga standing before her.

"This is a face I haven't seen in quite some time," she stated after a while. "Enjoying your time back home, Hyuga Neji?"