"This is completely confidential, and I hope everyone in here understands and respects that," Tsunade practically growled; her fingers tapping on her desk.

A Hyuga Elder scoffed but didn't disagree.

Tsunade sighed softly and asked, "And are you positive, Neji, that you want to go through this?"

Neji was standing near the office door, forcing himself to breathe normally. Of course he didn't want to go through with it; it was like asking a person to stab himself in the heart.

But at that point, knowing that Yoru could be torturing or injuring her, he couldn't take a risk.

He wouldn't; not with Tenten, not anymore. He was doing what was best, for everyone. Even if it destroyed him in the process.

Neji turned to Tsunade and nodded softly. "Yes, I'm sure," he replied, "There's not much other choice here. I'll go through with it."

Tsunade nodded and sighed softly, and Hiashi glanced down at Neji for a moment or so.

'He really does love her,' Hiashi thought to himself.

Neji caught Hiashi's look but said nothing of it. The few elders that were there, including Neji's grandfather, nodded in agreement with Neji's decision.

Neji's grandfather cleared his throat softly and said, "We will not activate his curse as long as he does what he agreed to do."

Neji and Hiashi nodded, and Hiashi said, "And as for your teammates, Neji, we'll have to let them know."

Neji caught the hint in his voice and nodded, looking at Tsunade.

She didn't look pleased at all.

He didn't blame her.

Neji didn't want to go through with the plan either. But Tenten's safety, as well as the safety of his family and comrades, mattered above all else.

As Neji exited the office and waited for the Elders to disappear from sight. He then breathed out slightly before looking up at Hiashi. Hiashi looked back at him and did his best to keep his emotions concealed, but ever since he and Neji had spent more time with each other, Hiashi was almost unable to stay stone.

Neji sighed before saying, "I'll go find my team. Meet us at the gate?"

Hiashi nodded and watched as Neji walked, but after he walked fifteen feet, Hiashi called out to him. "Neji? May I speak with you for a moment?" The young Hyuga turned around and faced his uncle.

Hiashi sighed and said, "You don't have to go through with this. I'm sure there are other ways to avoid- Neji? Do you find this humorous?" Hiashi lost his thoughts the moment Neji started chuckling softly.

Neji shook his hand and said, "No, Uncle. I don't find this humorous at all. I just... I'm glad you care as much as you do." His smile turned modest, and Hiashi returned the smile before frowning once more.

"Neji, we can protect you; the both of you. She's just one woman." Neji shook his head and replied, "It will play out as it should, Uncle. You've forgotten that I'm still dying; still undergoing the change. The entity in my head won't stop, and my stability is failing every hour I'm alive. Only she knows how to stop it, and if I can convince her somehow, then this is the only way."

Hiashi sighed and asked, "And what about Tenten?"

Neji went quiet and looked at his hands.

The very hands that caressed her; that hurt her; that held her.

Neji wanted to take back everything he had done, because his next decision could crush her, and he knew it.

Neji looked at Hiashi and said, "I don't know, to be honest. But when the time comes, I'm sure we'll know what to do."

Hiashi bobbed his head slightly, holding back a sigh. Yoru really had done a number on his nephew.

~~

Guy cracked his knuckles and said, "Yoru really is a despicable woman. I won't let her get away with hurting my students!!"

Rock Lee chimed in, "No one hurts my teammates and gets away with it!!"

Neji inwardly groaned and glanced up at his uncle, who had the same expression on his face. "Your teammates are quite the... Hyperactive pair."

Neji nodded and said, "You either get used to it, or you don't. In my and Tenten's case, we still haven't, and probably never will."

Hiashi nodded softly before clearing his throat and saying, "If you both insist on joining our rescue mission, I need you both to stay quiet. Yoru will be able to hear us from far away, so stealth is a MUST. I cannot stress this enough."

Lee chirped, "Don't worry, Mr. Hyuga, we won't let you down!"

Hiashi held back a sigh once more and said, "Let's go." With a synchronized nod, all four headed out the gates and into the woods. Neji was grateful that his sensed were heightened no thanks to the blood in his system, and Neji continued to inhale the entire time they sprinted off.

Finally, he found Yoru's scent and alerted Hiashi and the other two. The four then started heading west; their bodies casting shadows before them.

Neji looked up at the sky and noticed clouds were gathering; anything but a good sign to him.

If it rained, he could lose her scent, and possibly Tenten. Forever.

The scent grew stronger and stronger, unsettling Neji and exciting him at the same time.

Lee glanced over at his teammate and asked, "Neji, do you sense her?"

Neji glanced over at his teammate and hesitated. It was about time, and Neji could no longer put his teammates in danger. As Neji tried to think of a way to make Lee and Guy head elsewhere, pain shot through his chest.

Neji winced and stopped sprinting, barely able to make it to a tree branch on time.

All three stopped in their tracks when Neji did, and he said, "I'm fine. I don't think I'll be able to move for a minute, but her scent is strong."

"Are you expecting us to head on without you, Neji?" Lee asked, concern clear in his eyes.

Neji eyed Hiashi only for a moment before saying, "Yes, Lee. I am. Tenten needs to be rescued soon, or we might be too late. Please, I'll be fine."

Lee looked up at his mentor and waited for him to agree. Neji locked eyes with Guy for a few moments, and Neji could tell that Guy read right through him without even trying.

How much he knew, Neji didn't know.

But it seemed that Guy knew enough to rat him out and oppose his decision.

However, instead of disagreeing, Might Guy sighed and frowned. "Are you sure you'll be alright without us?" he asked.

With a heavy, sad smile, Neji almost whispered, "Just keep heading forward. I'll be alright, I promise."

Lee nodded with confidence and replied, "We won't let you down! Tenten will be safe with us once more, you'll see! Just stay put, and we'll find her!"

Neji nodded and lowered his head as he tried to breathe, both from the pain and to keep from crying. It was almost unbearable for him to face them any longer.

Not a minute later, they took off.

Neji looked up to see them gone and sighed heavily as he slowly stood up, gripping his chest even tighter.

He had to keep moving, or everything they fought for, everything Tenten had gone through, would've been for nothing.

And he would damn the world if he lost her to the cruel and wicked woman.

~~

It was all a blur at first; Tenten saw Neji not too far away from her, almost as if within arms' reach. But moments later, he was gone, and a swing connected to the back of her neck.

She saw nothing but oblivion around her.

That was of course, up until she felt a sharp pain on her already-injured arm. Tenten opened her eyes to see that she was in a dark covered area; something that seemed like a cave. As her vision further cleared up, she realized that she was indeed in a cave.

She was immobilized, or at least, that's how it felt to her.

Her body felt cold; her arms the warmest part of her body.

But it wasn't because she was wearing something warm around her arms. When she glanced towards her left, Tenten almost screamed.

Her arm had been sliced open just enough to where she was being drained; slowly, agonizingly, splashing down onto something that sounded like glass.

Afraid to move, Tenten slowly turned her head to look around at her surroundings.

Almost immediately, she saw the entrance of the cave. However, it was a good fifty feet away, and with her legs and arms chained up, there was no way she could free herself and make it out alive.

She heard a slight chuckle and turned her head towards the sound.

It wasn't long before Yoru herself showed her face. Tenten held back the impulse to tremble and met Yoru's eyes with her own fearful ones.

"Well well," Yoru said smugly, "look who finally woke up from her slumber."

Her words sent Tenten's hair on the back of her neck standing.

Yoru seemed pleased with herself, no doubt, but as Tenten watched her get closer, she swore to herself that she wouldn't give Yoru the satisfaction of seeing her plead and cry.

In fact, Tenten resolved altogether that she wouldn't utter a word while Yoru was near. Yoru glanced at her arm and said, "You'll be drained soon. That must hurt quite a bit for a little girl your age."

Tenten's gaze was glued on Yoru, but she didn't utter a word.

After not getting a reply, Yoru walked closer and said, "It must make you feel weak to know that you couldn't protect Neji from me, or himself even. How did you become a kunoichi again? I'm sure you must've gotten touchy with your Sensei; he seems like a pervert."

Tenten could feel anger boiling deep inside her.

Had she been free, she would've attacked Yoru for saying such hateful words about her teacher. But she withheld that impulse to snap, and simply met her eyes with a much angrier pair of eyes.

Yoru inwardly sighed.

She wanted Tenten to cry and plead, but it seemed like she was steadfast on not saying anything at all. 'Just like that bastard,' she thought, holding in her temper.

A faint smell hit her nose, telling her that she wouldn't have long until someone came. Yoru gave a sly smile and said, "Well, since you're not being very chatty, I guess I'll hold back on talking about your mother."

Tenten's eyes quickly gleamed in surprise, but once again, she said nothing.

Yoru continued, "That must be a burden to carry with you to the afterlife. She really was a nice woman, to be honest. You truly remind me of her."

Tenten was quite close on demanding how and why, but she didn't have time to. Yoru stiffened up before turning her back to Tenten.

Yoru smiled softly and said, "Neji, my son! How nice of you to join us!" Tenten's breath halted in her throat, and she tilted her head to try and see over Yoru's shoulders.

She could barely make out a figure, as the clouds had settled in and made everything seem darker than it was.

But once Yoru moved ever so slightly, Tenten found it to truly be Neji, in pain and beyond furious. Unable to contain herself, she started to cry.

Neji saw Tenten, and his jaw all but dropped. Yoru was draining Tenten of her blood, which only boiled his own blood further.

Yoru smiled at him and said, "You're just in time for dinner, Sweetie."

Neji grit his teeth, feeling his canines biting down into his own gums.

"Neji," Tenten said with urgency, "please, don't come in any further. Leave; tell them you couldn't find us. I'll be okay."

"I'm not leaving until I see Yoru choking in her own blood. I'm not leaving without you." Neji's voice was low, but it was threatening and strong.

Neji had no plans on leaving Tenten to a fate worse than death. And with Yoru being there, she'd make every living moment for Tenten hell. Neji closed his eyes and did his best to maintain himself, as the smell of her blood was strong; almost too strong.

Yoru snorted and said, "You both are adorable, but seriously Neji, you won't be able to survive your transformation if you don't drink. Please, do all of us a favor and take Tenten out for me."

"I will do no such thing!!" Neji barked.

His rage was consuming him, and he could feel the change growing stronger with every moment passing. If he was to save Tenten, he had to soon. Neji took a deep breath seconds before sprinting towards Yoru.

She smirked and watched as he got to her in seconds, but he wasn't fast enough to try and grab her. Yoru easily slid to the side and leaned her foot out, sending him almost flying. He landed almost fifteen feet away from Tenten.

Yoru couldn't help but scowl. "You haven't learned anything from fighting and being with me, have you?" she asked, kicking his side to where he groaned in pain.

Tenten, barely able to contain her sobs, frantically cried out, "Please Neji, you have to run!!"

"Oh give me a break," Yoru replied, kicking Neji at his ribs a few times, "Both of you are despicable. 'Neji please! Neji, run away!' 'I'll fight you, for Tenten! I swear I will!' Enough with playing the hero! There are no heroes, no one to save the other; there is no happy ending!"

Tenten shut her eyes tight and almost broke down as Yoru continued to mercilessly kick Neji at his sides and chest.

She wasn't even sure he was breathing at that point. However, when he coughed and gasped, Tenten felt almost relieved.

Neji trembled in pain as he forced himself to breathe right. Yoru had stopped her assault and sighed softly before walking towards Tenten.

Neji managed to stutter out, "Y-You can't break us, mother.... S-Stop trying. I'll never g-give in to your desires.." Yoru picked up a bowl that was filled up with Tenten's blood and said, "I don't think you understand, Neji. You've lost. Both of you have."

She stood over Neji and tipped the bowl, saying, "Drink up Sweetie, the blood is nice and rich." Neji coughed and gagged as she poured Tenten's blood all over his face and head.

Tenten shuddered and turned her head, unable to watch as Neji started to spasm lightly. Neji had slipped over the edge, and it was Tenten's blood that unleashed what he had tried to hold back for so long.

His vision faded, and his consciousness went blank.

When all went quiet, Tenten opened her eyes and almost gasped as she saw his body turn pale.

Yoru laughed, softly but wickedly as Neji's breathing started to slow down.

She then looked up at Tenten and said, "Now, it's time for you to do your part. Don't worry; this will be all over soon."

Yoru walked over and unlocked Tenten's chains, allowing Tenten to fall four feet down from where she was hanging. Tenten cried out as the pain in her arm grew, but went quiet as she saw Neji barely move.

She almost smiled when he sat up slightly, but her relief turned into fear when he looked over at her.

Neji grinned crookedly, his red eyes glowing with mischief, and said, "Hello, Tenten. And might I say, your blood tastes very delicious. Mind if I try a little more?"

~

THE END.

Kidding. I had enough to work on to make an extra chapter, so Merry Christmas, Happy Halloween, Happy Birthday, party till you drop. xDD

Enjoy the chapter. Thanks for reading!

Edit(8/20/15): Edited to perfection. XDD