Xena jolted upright. She was covered in sweat, the sheets tangled around her legs. Idun stood over her with a wet towel that she placed on her sister's forehead.
"You had that dream again, didn't you?"
"Yes..."
That same dream... of that same night when her world crumbled down...

~She remembered his face... his scent, even his chakra. That night, they had to flee. Xena was of no use to him anymore, him thinking she was dead. Idun wouldn't believe it and grabbed her mother's headband. A Sand headband.
It took about 2 days, but they made it to Sunagakure and met up with some old friends. The Sand Siblings welcomed them warmly, with the exception of Gaara. Idun noticed he was different from when they had left, but didn't say anything.
"What's wrong with Xena?" Temari asked.
"I don't know... she has some kind of crystal embedded into her."
"Ouch."
Kankurou looked at his old friend with happiness. She was finally back, and when she woke up he would tell her how much he missed her. But that was all 4 years ago...~

Xena's breathing had calmed down and Idun sat on the end of her bed.
"You can't go on like this." She admonished.
"I have to! I have to become a chuunin!"
"Don't forget that there's a chance your team won't get picked."
Xena's team flashed in her mind and she smiled.
"I don't think Kenta and Zephyr would appreciate that."
Idun rolled her eyes, "They can't defeat a bug without hurting something."
Xena glanced over at the clock and noticed it was 6:30, her wake up call.
"Let me go get changed, I have a lot of training ahead of me."

Idun gave Xena her lunch and smiled. Xena gave her sister a small smile and took it.
"Good luck, Xena. Do well."
"I will, aneki."
With that, Xena pushed her senbon into her holder and left.

She walked alone, thinking about her new attacks that she had made up. Her clan jutsus would never be taught to her because... well...
Xena's hands curled into fists. Just the thought of that night got her roaring mad, and when she mad she wasn't a good person to be around. Her sensei, Masaru, appeared in front of her.
"Ah, Ohayo Masaru-sensei!" Xena said happily.
"Ohayo Xena, you're early today."
"I guess I'm just really excited."
Xena began to think about her team. Both of the shinobi were strong, one loud, one normal. Her first teammate, Kenta, arrived. He bounded by them, then turned and came back. His deep red hair fell across his shoulders. Xena had strong bonds with both her teammates, but for him, Xena was the greatest.
"H-Hello Xena-chan..." Kenta said quietly for once.
"Konichiwa Kenta-san. Ogenki desu-ka?"
"Genki-desu. Anata wa?"
"Watashi-mo, genki-desu."
Kenta nodded and turned to Masaru. The two began talking. A few seconds later, their final team member came up. Xena began blushing and turned away to wait for it to subside.
"Hello Xena-chan." A masculine rang out.
Xena shivered as a hand was placed on her shoulder. She turned around to see her favorite shinobi staring back at her.
"H-Hello Zephyr-kun..."
The boy known as Zephyr pushed a strand of white hair out of his face and smirked.
Xena loved when he made that little smirk of his.
"Everyone pay attention."
Masaru caught their attention.
"We're training with Baki's team today."
Kenta's eyes lit up.
"Really?"
"I wouldn't lie to you." Masaru sighed.
Zephyr and Xena nodded and followed their sensei to the training grounds.

As soon as they got there, the two teams were split into pairs. Xena wound up with Kankurou, someone she could stand. The two came together.
"What's up, Kankurou?" She asked.
"Nothing much. Just working on my puppet."
"Karasu?"
"No, a different one."
"Interesting..."
Xena watched Kankurou toy with the puppet in his hand.
"Hey Kankurou."
"Yeah?"
"Do you think you could teach me how to fight with a puppet?"
Kankurou felt a blush creeping into his cheeks and grabbed a handfull of sand.
"I could... try..."
"Oi, Kankurou!" Temari called.
Both looked up. Zephyr followed her over.
"The Kazekage needed us for something."
Kankurou noticed that Gaara was standing more to himself than usual. Xena also noticed and went over.
"Hello Gaara-kun."
"Hn."
"Gaara-kun, are you okay?"
Gaara turned away from her. Xena put a hand on his shoulder.
"Gaara-kun, you don't have to go."
Gaara turned away and began walking. Xena's shoulders slumped and she went back to the group. Even though they were walking, Xena felt as if time was standing still. As they approached the Kazekage, all of them bowed.
"Where is my other son?!" He boomed.
Before Temari or Kankurou could speak up, Xena said,
"He's doing a task for Baki-sensei."
Baki nodded in agreement and the Kazekage snorted.
"Anyway, I would like you all to meet Orochimaru-sama."
A man that looked stunningly like a snake walked out. He cast a glance at Xena and smirked evilly. Xena could sense the dark chakra emanating from him and refused to move.
"We will be overtaking Konoha with him."
Xena's blood ran cold. Konoha. Her old home. Memories started flooding back.

~
"Sasuke-kun! You have to throw it like this!"
"Xena, I don't have senbon. Kunai are heavier."
"Oh... sorry."
~

~
"Neji-kun!"
Neji turned his white eyes toward her, "You still wish to spar with me?"
"I do."
The boy's sad face broke into a smile and he raised his palms.
"Let's go."
~

Xena shook her head vigorously. Orochimaru cast her a glance and she shot a cold glare back at him. Zephyr could sense the tension between the two. It was his ability, to sense emotions.
"What's up with you?" He whispered.
"N-Nothing. Just shut up and leave me alone."
"You are dismissed!"
Xena grabbed her stuff and left, Temari hot on her heels.
"You wanna do something today?"
"Eh, I don't see why not."
Kankurou appeared behind them.
"Wanna train for the Chuunin exams?"
"What?! We're going?!" Xena yelled, turning to Kankurou.
"Y-Yeah, that was the point of that whole meeting."
"Oh..."
She cast a glance to Kenta who was whooping happily about their progress, Zephyr was laughing at his enthusiasm. Xena smiled her first genuine smile in a long time.
"Alright, let's train!"

The two Sand teams stared each other down. No one made a sound, a move, even let their breath out. It was dead silent. Flashbacks of the fight with Sasuke came back to her. Xena shook her head and got into her fighting stance. So far, no one knew about it, not even her teammates.
'Heh, these exams are in the bag for us.'
"Ninpou, Kamaitachi!"
Team 11 scattered and Xena sprung into action.
"Kageboushi no jutsu!"
Her shadow created clones that sprang up and blocked the oncoming winds. Xena moved stealthily behind Kankurou.
"Katon, Hibashira no jutsu!"
Fire erupted from the ground and made Kankurou fly into the air. The puppet master was so astonished by the surprise attack that he landed flat on his face.

Meanwhile, Zephyr and Temari were fighting.
"That all you got, Grandma?" Zephyr taunted.
Temari's eyes narrowed, "Ninpou, Fuusajin!"
Dust obstructed Zephyr's vision. He sucked in a breath.
"Ninpou, Hageshiikaze!"
As he exhaled, a huge gust of wind formed from his mouth. Temari jumped up and opened her fan just in time to glide on it's current.
"It won't work as long as I have this!"
'Then I'll just have to get rid of that...'
"Raigeki, kyuuden no jutsu!"
A ball of lightning hit Temari's fan, causing a hole to form. The duo crashed into the ground, Temari hitting her back hard on the ground. Zephyr smirked and led his chakra to his feet. Running to her, he disappeared. Temari sat up on her elbows and looked around. She didn't see too much only because she felt a foot come in contact with her shoulder.

Kenta couldn't break through his defenses. The demon inside him protected him, this whole sparring was useless. And of course, he was stuck with Gaara... again.
"Dammit..."
Normally, Kenta didn't resort to using his sword unless it was absolutely necessary... but this seemed a good enough occasion. With his sword unsheathed, he slashed through Gaara's sand barrier and landed some good hits, only to be crushed by his sand.

Both Xena and Zephyr saw Kenta fall to Gaara. Xena calmed Gaara down while Zephyr rescued Kenta. The boy had his elbow going through his skin. Zephyr flinched and backed away.
"Xe-Xena... b-blood..." Zephyr moaned.
Xena caught him from his faint and turned to Kenta. His eyes were closed, his mouth agape. Xena turned to Gaara with a hostile look
"You think this is FUNNY?!" She screamed at him.
Gaara seemed unaffected, "Actually, yes."
"YOU DIRTY BASTARD!" Flames began to gather around her, "THIS ISN'T FUNNY, STOP YOUR SMIRKING!"
Gaara's face returned to normal, "You think you can beat me?"
Before he could say anything else, an imprint of a hand was on the side of his face. Unbelievingly, his hand fluttered over it. Gaara looked up at Xena with the oddest look in the world.
"Did you just-?"
"SHUT UP." Xena commanded and picked up her teammates.
Temari and Kankurou cast glances at her. The black haired kunoichi slung the two boys over her shoulder, her feet sinking in the sand underneath her.
"Xena-chan." Kankurou spoke up, "Let me help."
"No, Kankurou. This will aid me in my training."
The Adamana turned around and Kankurou could've sworn she disappeared through the sand.

Idun set beds up for the two as Xena got an ace bandage for Kenta. Zephyr was sitting up in bed while drinking a bottle of water that Xena had left him. She moved over and sat on the edge of his bed.
"You okay there, buddy?"
"I'm fine..." He replied quietly.
A warm hand was felt on his head and the heat rushed into his face. Xena's grey eyes faced him, a look of concern reflecting out of them.
"Zephyr... is there something you would like to tell me?"
"Well..."

Please R&R, feedback is greatly needed. Please do not put things such as commands on what I should do, suggestions are welcome though.

He was confused and hurt. His past was destroyed, his future bleak.
Zephyr turned his head up and his eyes met Xena's. Their crystalline-like grey color made him get lost in them.
"Well?"
"I... I can't tell you, Xena... It would ruin our friendship..."
"Zephyr!" Xena shouted in anger, "Our friendship cannot be broken!"
Zephyr pulled back in surprise and the younger Adamana regained her composure.
"Zephyr, I really care about you... please tell me what's bothering you..." Xena soothed.
"I... I have a fear of blood and death.... How am I ever supposed to be a ninja?"
Xena's face relaxed from worry to relief. So that was all that was bothering him.
"Zephyr, one of the best medic nins of all time, Tsunade, she has a fear of blood as well. And she's a MEDIC NIN."
He looked up at her, his eyes twinkling.
"Thank you, Xena... thank you..."

Zephyr stirred. Sleepily opening his eyes, he noticed it was about 2 in the morning. He groggily turned over and scanned the room.
'One, two, three... where's four?'
Sitting upright, Zephyr looked around the room again. Idun, Kenta, Masaru... where's Xena?
The boy lightly stepped out of bed and onto the balcony. The full moon radiated over head and he resisted his vampiric craving for blood.
"Xena..." Zephyr whispered as the wind took his breath away.
He was used to it. They were all used to it. The endless wind sweeping across the landscape, making it about as barren as Zephyr's living room. A shadow swept across his feet and he looked up. Staring down at him was those beautiful grey eyes.
"Zephyr? What are you doing up?"
"Looking for you."
"And why is that?" The kunoichi asked, rolling over on her back.
Zephyr climbed up on the roof and looked down at her, "Because I was worried."
He could hear Xena snort, "Worried?"
"Yeah. You are a member of the team."
He felt her suddenly sit up. Zephyr turned his head to see her staring at him.
"What?"
"Do you only think of me as a member of your team?"
Zephyr let out a sigh, "Of course not, Xena. You're my best friend."
Another genuine smile spread across her features.
"Zephyr... I have a confession..."
"What is it?"
Instead of answering, Zephyr suddenly felt lips against his. His eyes darting downwards, he saw Xena. He put a hand around her shoulders and the two sat there for a little like that. When Xena finally stopped, Zephyr was upset. She was so gentle, yet he knew how destructive she could be.
"Xe-Xena?"
"Shh..." She put a finger to his lips, "None of this ever happened, okay?"
"Y-Yeah..."

The next morning, everyone was up and ready at 6:30. Zephyr was silent from what happened previously that night. Team 11 was excited, but nervous as well. Kenta nervous he wouldn't be able to do his jutsus, Masaru for his students' safety, Zephyr for having to stay with Xena for 2 months, Idun and Xena for going back to Konoha. The group looked at each other and nodded, then left the house for the Chuunin exams.

About halway to Konoha, they all stopped and rested. Everyone was silent, probably wrapped in their own thoughts. Idun kept casting glances at her sister, who was meditating the whole time.
'Her nerves must be frayed by now,' Idun thought worriedly.
Kenta and Zephyr were both silent for once, neither one of them bickering.
Masaru was quiet as well. His students were acting odd, probably because of the exams. They could make or break you, and all of them were most definitely thinking about failure. He stood up.
"Come on, guys, we have to go."

An hour later, they approached the gates of Konoha. ANBU stood guard all over, checking IDs and Sensei's headbands. Xena gripped Idun's arm out of nervousness while Kenta and Zephyr took it all in. Of course, they had never been to Konoha, and at the moment it was looking like an excellent trip. When the team reached the ANBU, they stood at attention.
"State your names."
"Masaru Kirasuma, Sunagakure Jounin."
"Kenta Irikiri, Sunagakure Genin."
"Zephyr, Sunagakure Genin."
The ANBU turned their attention to Zephyr, "Do you have a last name?"
"No."
"Continue on."
"Idun Adamana, Sunagakure Jounin."
"Xena Adamana, Sunagakure Genin."
It felt as if time stopped. The ANBU stared at them, amazed that they were here and alive.
"You may go,"
Just as Xena and Idun went to step through, The ANBU barred their way.
"You two are coming with me."

The ANBU had dragged them to the Hokage's office. The sisters fidgeted nervously as Sandaime eyed them. His eyes started to twinkle.
"My dear girls... how long has it been?"
"4 years Hokage-sama..." Idun barely whispered.
Sandaime got up and embraced them both, "We were worried you two were dead..."
"Would I allow the only remaining members of my clan to die?" Idun said a bit more confidently.
The office seemed suddenly colder and a wave of pain went through Xena's body. Her body began to shake violently and the Hokage noticed this.
"Xena?"
Xena couldn't answer, the pain so intense it had made her fall to her knees. The ground came up to meet her and she knew no more.

Opening her eyes, she met the crimson eyes of Kenta staring down at her.
"Whoa!" The kunoichi yelled, jerking upwards.
Kenta stumbled back and fell to the ground. Her stubborn outburst had startled him.
"What happened?!" She demanded, pointing a finger at him.
"I-I don't know!" He stuttered, his red locks falling over his face, "You just collapsed!"
'Collapsed... that pain... what was it?'
"Xena..."
She massaged her temples, them pounding against her skull.
"What Zephyr?"
"We're going out on the town, you coming?"
The town... Konoha...
"Yeah!"
Xena quickly grabbed her sandals and slid them on. The mirror reflected her average self and another mirror was shattered to pieces.

The twosome walked the streets, meeting up with the other Sand team on the way.
"You used to live here, right?"
"Uh, yeah... why?"
"Why did you leave?"
Xena stopped. The air around her seemed distorted and tears clouded her eyes.
"I... don't want to recall it..."
Zephyr got the hint and dropped the subject.
"Do you at least remember anywhere to eat?"
"Ichiraku!"
The girl began sprinting down the street, practically knocking people over to get to her destination. Kenta appeared beside his teammate.
"What's up with her?"
"None of your business, Nosy Rosy." Zephyr growled and followed her.
Kenta pointed his middle finger at the retreating boy and reluctantly followed him.

Xena woke up early that morning. The morning that Neji had promised to take her somewhere "special". She quickly dressed and looked at herself in the mirror. She put her hands on her hips, and smirked.
"This is gonna be fun..." She said to herself.
"Xena! Neji's here!" Idun yelled from the corridor.
Xena gave herself a quick nod and slid down the banister.
"Xena!" Idun scolded her, "How many times must I tell you to not do that?!"
"Uh... one more time wouldn't hurt." She joked.
Idun smacked her in the back of the head and stalked off to the kitchen. Xena went outside to see Neji grinning.
"What's so funny?"
He pointed at her skirt.
"Whoops..."
The whole side has ripped and was literally hanging off of her.
"Be right back."
She rushed back into the house and grabbed another skirt, then jumped out the window behind him. She jumped on his back and he winced.
"God you're heavy." Neji complained.
"Oh shut up. Where are we going?"
"Somewhere you'll like."
He grabbed her wrist and began dragging her down the street. They veered into a forested area and he stopped. He turned to her and squeezed her hand.
"What's up?" She asked.
"Nothing. It's this way."
Neji led her through a lush area into a clearing. There was a river gurgling by and a small riverbank next to it.
"Wow..."
"You like it?"
"Yeah."
Xena plopped down and began taking her shoes off. Neji's pale eyes followed her every move. She smiled back up at him and dragged him down next to her.
"Mr. Handsome, don't get too much sun or you'll look like a lobster." She joked.
"Be quiet, you."
She giggled as he hid his blush. Xena lay back on the bank and looked up into the sky. Out of nowhere, she felt a soft kiss on her cheek. Stunned, she turned to see Neji looking up into the sky along her. Their shoulders were touching.
"Ne-Neji?"
"Hm?"
"Did you just-"
"Yep."
The two were silent. Xena, still stunned rolled over on her stomach and looked down at him. He looked up at her. She seemed to be lost in his eyes, so calm and collected, while hers were firey and short tempered. Neji reached up and put his hands through her hair. He sat behind her.
"You have nice hair." He whispered into her ear.
She blushed madly and tilted her head back to look into his eyes. They were shining down at her.
"Neji... I think I..."
"Yes?"
"Love you...." She said in a tiny voice.
Neji smirked and kissed her nose, "Good, cause I love you too."
Xena was astonished that someone of his caliber would fall for someone like her. She smiled and looked back at the ground. Neji lay down again and put his hands behind his head. His brown hair fluttered in the light breeze as he stared into the sky with content. Xena lay her head on his chest and the two sat like that for a while. She was at peace listening to the rise and fall of his breaths, and he was content with Xena's head resting on his chest. Xena had her eyes closed and was humming something. Neji listened to her song, and added his own baritone to the mix. She opened one eye and looked up at him. She raised her head off his chest and sat upright. Neji was a little upset that her head wasn't there anymore, but he didn't say it out loud. Xena got up and stretched, revealing her well muscled legs. Neji couldn't help but stare.
"See something you like?" She asked, a hint of laughter in her voice.
Neji blushed, "Uh.... your.... uh...."
"You like my legs, don't you?"
"Uh..."
"Hee hee!" She giggled.
Neji couldn't admit it, but her legs were so HOT. They were strong and sturdy, and when she walked the muscles in them rippled. Xena reached her hand out and put it around his wrist. Xena sighed suddenly.
"What's wrong?" Neji asked, tearing his gaze away from her legs.
"Nothing... I was just... thinking..."
She suddenly felt hands on her shoulders. Neji was behind her, his hands firmly on her shoulders. Xena felt weird, his hands touching her shoulders, they sent warmth through her body. The Hyuuga was smirking under his curtain of hair. Xena crossed her legs in front of her and Neji laughed.
"Are you trying to seduce me, Mrs.Robinson?"
Before he could say anything else, Xena had him captured in a passionate kiss. Her arms around him were strong, forcing him to continue. Neji smirked against her lips as he wrapped his arms around her waist. The Adamana pulled back and smiled.
"You're very good at kissing. Have you practiced?"
Neji leaned in again and the two were silenced once more. It wasn't like Xena to be silenced, but Neji knew easily how to do that. His loose ponytail fluttered in the wind, her free hair blowing as well. Xena was distracted by a rustling in the bushes. Pushing away, she silenced Neji before his could say anything. With her pinpoint aim, she hit the bush and a prompt "Ouch!" came from it. Xena dragged a now laughing Naruto out of it.
"You two were TOTALLY liplocked!" He laughed.
Neji scowled and Xena began growling in annoyance.
"Naruto... I swear to God if you tell ANYONE, ANYONE, your head is as good as mine!"
"Whatever you say... Mrs.Hyuuga!"
Xena snapped. She landed a punch to Naruto's face and sent him flying backwards. Rubbing her knuckles, she got in the Adamana fighting position.
"So Naruto, thinking about blabbing now?" Xena whispered dangerously.
The blonde shinobi had made his way behind her and grabbed her in a fierce hug. Struggling to get free, she suddenly felt Naruto's weight lifted off her body. Turning around, she saw Neji, a kunai held to Naruto's chest.
"Listen up dobe, if you utter a single word about what you saw, your destiny will be sealed."
Apparently Naruto understood, because he got up and took off without a single word. Neji smirked triumphantly and Xena cracked her knuckles. He grabbed her hand and brought her home, a smile on both their faces.

Idun looked up at the two entered.
"So? How was it?"
Neji cracked a grin and Xena smiled as well.
"It was lovely, Idun. Would you mind if I spend more time with Neji?"
The older Adamana was shocked, "You mean...... that...?"
"Yes."
Idun smiled and grabbed them both in a hug.
"Just no big steps until you get married."
A huge blush spread across the Hyuuga's face and Xena nodded in agreement.
"Agreed." He then turned to Xena and whispered, "Happy birthday, Xena."
She smiled back at him, "Thank you, Neji."

Ichiraku was never crowded, even today when other countries were coming to Konoha it was empty... almost. Xena had regained her composure and calmly pushed aside the curtain. Ayame caught sight of her and let out a shriek of joy.
"Xena!"
The Adamana turned her head and gave Ayame a small wave before waiting impatiently for her teammates.
About ten minutes later, they arrived, their excuse: Getting lost.
"How could you get lost?!" Xena yelled loud enough so the whole place could hear.
"Shut up, you're so loud." Zephyr complained right back at her.
Xena crossed her arms defiantly and sat back down on her stool. Ayame cast glances at the two young shinobi.
"Who are your friends?"
"Friends?" Xena spat, "More like teammates. Nothing else."
Xena's words hit Zephyr like an arrow through his heart. That night, she had promised him that they were more than teammates.
'Maybe she's just upset... yeah, that's it. Upset.'
Zephyr shrugged it off, and Kenta and another voice at the same time yelled,
"TEAMMATES?!"
Xena and Zephyr both turned their heads and saw a blonde shinobi standing on a stool.
"Teammates?!" He repeated, "I almost get killed and you guys think of me as only a teammate?!"
A pink haired girl sighed and his other teammate was silent, as if he didn't care. Xena blinked a few times and stared at the boy. His raven hair was spiked in the back, long bangs covering his eyes. He seemed familiar.... but Xena couldn't place her finger on who it was.
"Excuse me," She said politely, "But what are you arguing about?"
The blonde turned around and his eyes widened.
'She's kind of pretty..... I like her!'
"We just had a mission to the land of the waves, and I almost got killed protecting that teme over there!" He yelled, pointing an accusing finger back at the raven haired boy.
"Shut up, dobe." He growled from between his fingers.
Something clicked and Xena's mind and she immediately knew who it was. No one else had that comeback, no one.
"Sasuke!"
The boy turned his head and saw her.
'Xena?'
"Xena?"
Xena practically flew over there and caught him in a hug, "I missed you, Sasuke!"
"Hey! Don't get comfortable!"
He pushed her off and that familiar smirk crossed her face, "Still uncaring as ever, eh?"
"Hn."
Zephyr and Kenta came up next to her.
"Who's this ass?" Kenta asked, still fuming over Zephyr's rudeness.
"Ass?!" Xena whirled around and slapped him, "He isn't an ass! He's my friend!"
Two gasps came from his teammates and Sasuke rolled his eyes.
"Yes, she's a.... friend."
Kenta nursed his now red face and Zephyr continued studying the boy sitting there.
'What does he have that I don't? What does Xena see in him? He's just a prick, sitting there all stuck up.'
By now, Xena had introduced herself to his team, "Hi guys! I'm Xena Adamana! How are you this fine day?"
The pink haired girl's mouth formed a perfect "o" and the blonde's eyes were the sizes of saucers.
"Ada-mana?" He repeated slowly.
"Yeah... what about it?"
"Hi Xena, I'm Sakura."
"Hello Sakura." Xena turned to the blonde who was still staring, "See something you like, Blondie?"
Both of them laughed and even Sasuke cracked a smirk.
"I'm Uzumaki Naruto, the next Hokage!"
"Well, it seems as though you have a long way to go until you gain that position." She smiled and flicked his head.
Naruto rubbed his forehead aggravatedly, but when he saw the smiling kunoichi he stopped.
"Ma'am," Naruto bowed to the now astonished girl in front of him, "Can I squire you about town?"
"That job's already taken!" Another voice came.
Both groups turned around to see a kid in a green jumpsuit. He had very bushy eyebrows (Me: So adorable!) and a neat bowl cut.
"Konoha's Handsome Beast, Rock Lee!"
Everyone's face had now twisted into one of disgust... with the exception of Xena who was beaming.
"Rock Lee, huh? Well aren't you the cutest thing I've ever seen!"
A blush crossed the taijutsu master's face and he stepped forward.
"Adamana Xena! You are in my team's care!"
As soon as he said that, two others entered the shop. A girl with her hair up in double knots and a pink kimono top came in twirling a kunai on her finger. Xena immediately recognized the second teammate.
"Hyuuga Neji!" She said happily.
Neji turned his attention to the one who called his name. Noticing that familiar face, he walked over to her.
"Adamana Xena... how long has it been?"
"4 years, Neji."
"Yes..."
Neji remembered the night they told the Hyuugas that the Adamana clan had been massacred. He had been worried about Xena and her sister, his only closest friends, and now that burden was lifted off his shoulders. The odd thing was, two days later, the Uchiha clan was massacred as well. Neji shook his head vigorously and managed a smile for his friend.
"Well? Are you guys going to 'squire' me about?"
"Of course!" Lee shouted and dragged his new friend out of the shop.
The rest of the team followed and the remaining team 11 stared at their departing friend.
"What right do they have to just come in and drag her off like that?!?!" Kenta fumed.
Zephyr punched him in the back of the head, "Calm down, moron. I'm sure they'll take good care of her."
"But what about us?"
Zephyr turned to him, his eyes flashing, "Do we really need a nuisance like her to take care of us?"
'Yes Zephyr, we do...'
"Of course not, Zephyr..."

Lee had led her to a lake hidden in the forest. Neji looked somewhat bored, and Tenten (She had told Xena her name) was chatting lightly with her.
"Xena, did I get that right?"
"Yep."
"What are your fighting styles?"
A smirk tugged at the Adamana's lips, "I have my own fighting style. The Adamana one, and my own."
Tenten seemed interested and she had even caught Neji's attention. Lee was too busy jotting down notes about their guest in his notebook.
"Adamana style?"
"Yes. Like Neji's clan, my clan used to have a fighting style as well."
A wave of pain raked her body and she abruptly stopped. Tenten sensed something wrong.
"Are you okay, Xena?"
She didn't answer, but her face was paling worse than ever. It seemed as if the world was spinning and she fell to her knees.
"Neji!" Tenten cried worriedly.
Neji rushed over to his fallen friend, "Byakugan!"
Neji scanned her, focusing his Byakugan on her chest where the crystal was located.
"Something is draining her chakra..."
"Well?" Tenten asked.
Neji put his hand where the chakra was disappearing and felt something grip his wrist.
"Get your hands off..." Xena growled weakly.
Her eyes closed and the hand dropped. Neji pressed down again and felt something hard.
"What's this?"
Pushing her shirt aside, all he saw was skin... and the outline of something crystal-like.
'A crystal? Is this how the clan was massacred?'
"Tenten, go get Lee to carry her."
He removed his jacket and gave it to her, "Use this to carry her on."
Tenten blushed at Neji shirtless but ignored it and nodded. She ran ahead to Lee, who was bounding full of energy. Neji looked down at Xena. Her hair created a pillow behind her head. Her face was still pale and she looked like she was in a death like state. Suddenly, a cloud of smoke appeared and the older Adamana stepped out.
"I was afraid this would happen." She sighed.
Neji raised an eyebrow, "What would happen, Idun?"
"Oh, hello Neji. I'm afraid I can't tell you that, it might ruin her chances of participating in the exams."
"Idun," Neji grabbed her arm, "Tell me, please. I don't want to... lose her..." He admitted quietly.
Idun's face relaxed, she had a feeling that Neji wouldn't stop Xena's chances, he still really cared about her.
"Neji, I trust you and your team. I'll take Xena from here, come to this address." Idun had just finished scribbling an address down on a slip of paper and handed it to him, "Take care, and farewell."

Idun lay her sister down on the bed. That was the second time today... her time of judgment was coming.

Xena rolled over and opened her eyes. Looking around, she met the pale eyes of a Hyuuga and sat up. Neji looked down at her.
"Neji? What are you-"
"Idun."
"Oh..."
"I know what's wrong with you."
Xena's eyes reflected the pain she was going through, the torture. They reminded him of a child witnessing a death. Then again... she was a child when she witnessed death. She shifted and looked out the window. Eyes of longing and dispair stared back at her through the glass. Rain splattered against the window, also reflecting her mood. She felt weak, helpless...... unwilling to move on. Laying back down, she stared at the ceiling. Neji looked at his long lost friend with worry, he had never seen her like this, even when she was younger and he would beat her until she bled.
"Neji..." Her whisper sounded urgent.
"What is it?"
"Do you want to know what happened?"
That hit him like a ton of bricks. He would finally know about her past... her uncovered past. Just as he was about to nod, his teammates burst into the room. Neji let out a sigh and sat next to her on the bed. Tenten looked between the two and smiled to herself.
'They would make a cute couple...'
"Hello Neji! Xena!" Lee shouted.
Xena winced and put her hands over her ears.
"Lee, calm down." Neji said exasperatedly.
Lee nodded, "I am sorry, Neji."
"Xena, if you wish, please tell us the story." Neji said.
Xea didn't answer. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. Frantically, she tried screaming, yelling, but no sound came out of her mouth. Uncontrollably, tears rolled down her cheeks and she buried her face in her hands. The whole team before her seemed caring enough to go over and comfort her. Tenten rubbed her back, Lee was talking calmly to her and Neji massaged her shoulders. Her body shook and she let her tears flow freely. This was her punishment... her punishment for being a spoiled child and growing up an arrogant bitch. Her tears stopped and her sadness turned to anger. As gently as she could, she moved away from the people around her and cracked her knuckles. Preparing her chakra, she did quick chakra control and opened her eyes. She let her breath out and punched the air, causing fire to shoot out and leave a scorch mark in the wall. She began to rapidly punch the air, fire burning through the paint and wall. Her anger powered it, her hatred in herself, her hatred in the stupid crystal that caused all of this. She unleashed one last powerful kick which caused a hole to form. Turning around, she collapsed to her knees, trying to catch her breath. The whole team ran over to her worriedly. They had never felt chakra that full of hatred and fury.
"Xena! Calm down!" Tenten cried.
The Adamana's eyes had turned red and black chakra was swirling around her. It hit Tenten backwards and Neji caught her.
"Neji! What's happening?!"
She began to float, "I WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS PAIN ANY LONGER!"
A powerful wave of chakra swept out from her and knocked them all back, with the exception of Lee who had reacted quick enough to dodge it. He looked through the smoke to see Xena with one wing protruding from her back. Her kekkei genkai had finally activated, being put through so much distress. Fire was swirling around her, darkness under her feet. It was an odd mix and it certainly startled Lee.
"Guys! Please get up, we have to stop her before she destroys the whole of Konoha!"
Tenten whipped out two scrolls.
"Shoushoryuu!"
Two smoke dragons flew into the air and Tenten appeared between them. Weapons came out and she began throwing them rapidly. Neji activated his Byakugan and ran forward, dodging Tenten's attacks and the oncoming fireballs.
"Hakke RokuJyuYonShou!" Neji slammed two fingers into the creature before them, "Two palms, four palms, eight palms, sixteen palms, thirty two palms, sixty four palms!"
She flew into the wall and was knocked out with the help of Lee. The team looked down at her, seeing the chakra going back into the crystal. Tenten let out a sigh and Neji sat on the floor. Lee was the only one okay, so he picked her up and walked outside.
"Lee!" Tenten yelled after him.
"Be quiet, Tenten! I shall bring her to my favorite spot to recover!"

The green clad ninja led the Sand kunoichi through town. He frantically looked for another team, and when he saw his sensei with another he knew he had found a match.
"Xena-chan, that's Gai-sensei!"
He took off like a rocket, but Xena held him back. It seemed as though an argument was going on over there.
"Hold on there, do you know who that girl is?"
Lee squinted, "Ah! That's Gai's daughter, Ryuu. Hi Ryuu!"
The girl shot him a deadly look and he backed off. Xena watched her with interest, her chakra was entancing. Her black hair swayed violently when she shook her head. Finally, she left and Xena was a bit disappointed she hadn't gone over and said something to her.
"Gai-sensei! This is my new friend, Xena-chan!" Lee shouted suddenly.
Both senseis turned around and Xena found that one was pretty cute. Lee's sensei looked like an older version of him, while the other had grey hair with his forehead protector over his eye.
"Pleased to meet you, sir." Xena said bowing.
Gai let out a laugh that could've shook the world if he tried, "Ah, Xena. I hear you are the last of the Adamana clan."
"Actually, my sister is still alive."
Gai's eyes widened slightly and the other sensei still looked bored.
"Hey! Kakashi-sensei!" A loud voice yelled.
Xena smiled and turned around, "Naruto!"
The blonde stopped next to his sensei and waved to Xena. The older man, Kakashi she was guessing, looked down at him.
"What is it, Naruto?" He said calmly.
"We're bored and need more training! Come on Kakashi-sensei!"
Kakashi... Kakashi... where had she heard that name before...?
Xena's head snapped upwards. That's it! The people in the village often spoke about the Copy Ninja Kakashi.
"Are you the Sharingan warrior?" Xena asked suddenly.
She could tell that he was smirking, "Yes, I am. Are you the Shadow Demon?"
'I have a nickname?'
"I don't know."
"Heh, I heard about a prodigy from the Sand village who could twist darkness and shadows to her liking."
Xena growled in detest, "It was probably my sister..."
Kakashi's visible eyebrow raised, "I think not. I also heard that they were an excellent fire user."
Her ears perked up. She was praised as the Shadow Demon? Lee had grabbed her attention by pointing down the street at the rest of Naruto's team walking up.
"What'd you do? Run?"
"Yep!" The kitsune said proudly.
Sasuke and Sakura came up. Sakura smiled at their new friend, while Sasuke just nodded.
"So... Team 7's bored, eh?" Gai let out a laugh, "Seems as though their sensei is too lenient!"
Kakashi let out what sounded like a snort and turned to him, "I am far from lenient. How about your students? They-"
Xena never heard the end of it because Lee had taken her away.

Walking down the streets of Konoha was a challenge, especially with all the newcomers. Lee was bouncing about energetically, Xena laughing at his enthusiasm. It wasn't long before they met up with another team.
"Hey Beetle Brow, who's the new girl?" A blonde kunoichi yelled.
Lee's eyes practically turned to fire, but he kept his calm, "Her name is Xena. Adamana Xena."
The whole team backed away slightly and Xena smirked evilly.
"I'm guessing you guys are taking the exams, correct?"
All three nodded.
"As Lee said, I am Adamana Xena, from the Sand Village."
A boy with his hair in a ponytail opened his mouth, "Aren't you from Konoha?"
Tears sprang to her eyes, and she said nothing.
"Shikamaru! Look what you've done!" The kunoichi yelled at him.
Shikamaru had a confused look on his face, "What exactly did I do, Ino?"
Before either could say something, Xena had pushed through them and disappeared into the crowd. All of team 10 looked at Lee expectantly.
"She's going through a hard time... her family was killed here... and everyone keeps bringing it up..."
Ino now had tears in her eyes, "That's horrible..."
Shikamaru and Chouji nodded in agreement.

She had run far away... on top of the Hokage heads to be exact. She stared at the sunset, it reflected her life. Always getting darker, never brighter. Her family appeared before her eyes and tears welled up again. Her family... they would've been happy to see their daughter in the chuunin exams, like Idun was years before... Xena let out a sob and collapsed to the ground.
"Xena..."
Quickly catching her breath, she turned to see Neji, his face lined with worry.
"Hello Neji..." She replied quietly, wiping her eyes absentmindedly.
The Hyuuga moved next to her and sat down.
"I know it's hard for you, Xena..." He said quietly, "I know how it feels to remember a family member's death..."
"How Neji?" She sobbed, "You didn't lose your whole clan!"
Neji's fists clenched, "My father was killed by my clan..."
A single tear dropped from his eye and Xena looked up. Neji wiped at it angrily.
"Neji... I'm sorry to hear that... but at least-"
"I don't have anyone."
Xena took in her breath. So he felt like she did... alone... not wanted... lonely...
"Neji..."
"What?"
"If something ever happens to you... I swear to God, I will kill whoever made it happen."
Neji jumped a little at that comment. She had just stuck up for him, made a promise that she would kill whoever hurt him...
"Thank you, Xena... I will do the same for you..."
Xena thought of her family again... she could almost see all of their smiling faces.
"Xena... about today-"
"Don't worry about me. I'm fine."
"No you're not!"
"Neji!" Xena turned to him, a stern look crossing her features, "I can take care of myself! I know you're my friend, but you're starting to act like..."
"Yeah?!"
"You love me or something!"
Neji was silenced. Her words were so powerful, and something inside him stirred. Was he starting to crush on the ever powerful younger Adamana?
"Neji?"
The Hyuuga stood up and stared at the almost set sun, "You know, these chuunin exams are going to be a killer."
"Yes..."
He looked down at her. Her grey eyes were pointed at the ground, something he was used to Hinata doing.
'Why is her personality changing?'
Slowly, a small puddle formed under her face. Tears were streaming down it and she gripped the ground in sadness. Neji knelt beside her and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Xena... you're a strong person... please... stop this."
He put a finger under her eye and wiped her tears. The kunoichi was silent, still looking at the ground. Neji's worry increased. Xena was never silent, usually she was talking, or laughing, or yelling at someone. This wasn't Xena. Her whole self was different, he could practically see her change before his eyes. As he was about to hug her, a voice called out.
"Hyuuga bitch, back away from Xena."
Neji immediately took out a kunai and faced the intruder. Xena's tear ridden eyes looked up to see Zephyr standing with his arms crossed.
"You did this to her, didn't you?" He questioned.
"Me?" Neji repeated increduously, "I didn't do anything."
"I swear to God if you hurt her-"
"I didn't." Neji said firmly.
Zephyr advanced on Neji, both's chakra flaring. Xena remained silent, waiting to see what would happen. Zephyr threw a kunai and Neji dodged it. Before he could turn around, Zephyr had sent him flying forward. He never felt an impact though. Opening his pale eyes, he saw tanned skin holding him. Xena had caught him... but how? She was always weak... had she found her strength?
"Xena...?"
"Shut up and stand up. This isn't Zephyr."
Neji was amazed how Xena went from sobbing uncontrollably to stopping his fall. Fire was covering her palms as she copied Neji's stance.
"I'm not going to run and hide anymore, I'm not going to feel sorry for myself anymore... SO WHOEVER YOU ARE, YOU'RE ABOUT TO GET YOUR ASS KICKED!"
The kunoichi sprinted forward, Neji hot on her heels. Both slammed their palms into the mystery clone and watched it fly backwards. Suddenly, the person shifted into the one known only as the Sharingan Warrior Kakashi.
"Kakashi?" Xena asked, astonished.
"Looks like I helped you find your strength."
Neji and Xena cast glances at each other and sighed.
"Well... thanks a lot Kakashi-san."
He gave her a small smile and disappeared. She could feel Neji's stare.
"How did you learn Jyuuken?"
"It's not Jyuuken. It's my fighting style, it just looks like yours."
Neji stared at her. Xena now was determined.
"Well, I guess I'll see you later, Neji-san."

The night before the exams, Xena sat on the roof and watched the stars, images of Neji and "Zephyr's" fight floating through her mind. Why had she reacted like that? Was it because she was afraid Neji would get hurt? Or was it...
The kunoichi shook her head rapidly. There was no way she could LOVE Neji... he was just a friend... right?
Sighing, she lay back and began counting the stars. Everyone knew there was no way to count them all (unless it was a cloudy night and you could only see few =P) but she had always tried since her Father had told them a story about stars. She closed her eyes and instantly Neji popped into her mind.
'Why is this happening?'
*Did you ever think it's because you DO have feelings for him?*
'I can't! A good kunoichi doesn't show any feelings!'
*That doesn't mean you don't have them.*
Xena let out another sigh.
"Hai, hai, what's with all the sighing?" She heard her sensei say.
Xena turned around to see Masaru, his silver hair reflecting the moonlight.
"Nothing, Masaru-sensei..."
"It's obviously something because you seem really depressed."
"I'm just... confused."
"Is it a shinobi?"
Xena turned quickly on her teacher, "How did you know?"
"Your sister told me. It's that Hyuuga boy isn't it?"
"Yes... what should I do?"
Masaru stood back up and lifted his arms into the air, "Forget about him until the end of the exams."
"WHAT?!"
She was sure she had just waken up half the village but she didn't care. Forget about Neji?! It was impossible!
"Anyhoo, you better get some sleep, kiddo. You've got a long day ahead of you."

Xena hadn't slept. Neji taunted her mind, he always appeared in her dreams, in her thoughts. It had begun to scare her and her teammates noticed this while they were walking to the first exam.
"Xena, what's up with you?" Kenta asked, sniffing the morning air.
"If you must know dog-boy, it's a shinobi."
Zephyr immediately jumped into the conversation, "Who?"
"None of your beeswax, Zephyr. Just focus on what's going on today. You both remember our plan, right?"
"Throw any notes in your darkness and you'll give us some back."
Xena nodded, "Have you guys noticed anything... different about me?"
Kenta was about to shout out "yes" but Zephyr clamped a hand over his mouth, "No, of course not."
Xena sighed. She had hoped to change a little bit in the past week, from weak and helpless to strong and defenseful (if that's even a word). They entered the building in silence... with the exception of Xena would was mumbling to herself. As they entered, Xena see Lee get hit back by two kids guarding the door.
"Please let us through!" She heard Tenten plead.
The kid said something Xena couldn't make out, but it made both Lee and Neji angry. Oh great... Neji. She stepped through the crowd and faced the two blocking the door.
"Why are you blocking this door?"
"Only strong ninja can pass through, and you're not one of them."
Xena grabbed the boy by the collar, "Listen twirp, there's no reason to be blocking this door so undo the genjutsu or I'll do it for you!"
She dropped the boy and he undid the genjutsu. The crowd behind her stared in awe at the brave kunoichi. Xena shot daggers at them and pushed through the crowd, stomping towards the correct room this time. Zephyr and Kenta exchanged looks and followed after her.
Standing in a very large room, all three sank to the ground.
"Damn... I didn't have breakfast this morning..." Kenta complained.
His other two teammates agreed. Xena sighed and lay on her back. She wondered if she would pass the exams. Is it even possible for her to do that, even when she has no skill other than taijutsu?
"Guys... would you be mad if..."
"If what?" Zephyr questioned.
"If I dropped out..."
Both gained shocked looks.
"Dropped out?" Zephyr spat, "If you 'dropped out' WE wouldn't be able to compete!"
The black haired boy stood up and grabbed Xena by the collar of her shirt. He moved close to her ear.
"Why are you different?" He whispered.
"I'm not, you said it yourself." She replied flatly.
"You've changed, Xena, and I don't like it one bit. It's that Hyuuga boy who changed you isn't it?"
"No!"
Her eyes turned a firey red and Zephyr dropped the kunoichi like she was dirt. Blood was trickling down her lip from her biting it so hard.
"You're acting like a bitch, Xena."
"Bite me."
Zephyr would've loved to do that, to sink his teeth into her pale skin and love it.
The only problem is, he would feel guilty afterward.
He couldn't contain his anger. It leaked from him like sweat, how he wished it WAS sweat. Sadly, it wasn't.
Zephyr shoved her against the nearest wall, putting him nose to nose with her.
"Listen whore, tell me what Neji did to you."
Xena didn't respond. Instead, she kneed him in the crotch. Her assailant sank to his knees, only to be kicked backwards by the furious kunoichi over him.
"Don't make me angry. It may take your life."
"Neji changed you!" Zephyr screamed like a child, "He's making you different!"
Xena's eyes flashed red, "Your fate will be sealed if you keep talking to me, you impudent piece of shit."
Zephyr shut up real quick. The room seemed remotely quiet, until another yell was heard, echoing throughout the entire structure. The black haired boy noticed his teammate jerk her head up.
'It's probably her boyfriend Neji.'
But it wasn't. Xena strained her ears and heard a female's voice.
'Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto. It sounds as though Lee is there as well. What could be going on?'
Standing up abruptly, the kunoichi abandoned her now shocked teammates and decided to check out what was going on.

By time she had gotten there, Gai was admonishing Lee about using a "secret technique", Sakura was asking Sasuke if he was okay, and Naruto was fuming over not getting any attention. Ignoring Sakura, Sasuke, and Lee (who was now waving frantically), she moved over to Naruto.
"Hey 'Ruto, what's up?"
"Ruto? What kind of nickname is that?"
Xena smirked, "Do you prefer Blondie?"
Naruto crossed his arms, "Well *no*! But who the hell thinks of Ruto?"
"Me!" Xena's mouth twisted upward into a tiny smile, something rarely seen by Naruto.
Meanwhile, Sakura was helping Sasuke stand up.
"Are you okay, Sasuke-kun?"
"I'm fine, Sakura, now let go!"
She reluctantly let go and Sasuke scowled at her. He glanced at the clock and noticed it was almost 3.
"Naruto, Sakura, let's go."
Xena made a pouting face, "And leave me here, Sasuke? Better yet, don't even say hi to me you pathetic being!"
Xena could tell that had gotten him riled up. He whizzed around and sent a punch for her. Reading his muscles, she knew he was aiming for her shoulder, therefore she ducked, causing him to trip over her body. The kunoichi stood up, laughed, and turned to Naruto.
"See ya later, Ruto."
She then disappeared through a shadow, leaving team 7 awestruck.

Kenta noticed a shadow forming where no one was standing and knew Xena was returning.
"Zephyr, if you want to live I suggest you shut the hell up when she gets here."
"What about me?"
Both shinobi turned around to see Xena, her hands on her hips, her brow furrowed.
"I hope you're not gossiping about me."
"N-No!" Kenta stuttered, "We were going over the technique again!"
She shot them a disbelieving glance, but walked by anyway.
"We have to get going, I don't want to hold you two up."
With that, Xena disappeared into another shadow and both shinobi slumped to the ground.
"Zephyr, you have to make up with her!" Kenta reasoned.
"No way! Not until she tells me what happened!"
"STOP BEING A BASTARD!" Kenta raged.
The boy had drawn his sword and pointed it at Zephyr's neck. The vampire was quivering at the blade. Kenta remembered that he had a weakness to swords and blood.
"You see this blade? It's slain more than 20 enemies, do you want to be the 21st?"
"N-No. I'll apologize!"
"Good." Kenta placed his sword into it's sheath and walked to the room they were assigned to.

The classroom was packed, everyone jammed next to each other like sardines. Xena was the one who felt the most uncomfortable, not being a people person and all. Weaving in between legs, punches being thrown, and various other obstacles, she met up with Kenta. His face was creased with anger.
"Kenta? What's wrong?"
The boy didn't answer. Instead, he kept on staring at Zephyr's back, as if he could hurt him with a glare. There was tension between Kenta and Zephyr, the raven haired boy felt it. He clenched his fists.
'Stupid Kenta... preaching to me about how I should apologize...'
~You should apologize. NOW.~
Zephyr's head snapped up. Had he just heard Kenta's voice in his head? Was it just his imagination?
~You better do it. I know stronger techniques than this.~
It was Kenta! Zephyr cast him a death glare and disappeared. In the middle of his jutsu, he thought of what Xena would possibly say. What if she hated his guts now? That wouldn't be good for their teamwork.
'Why was I such a dumbass back there?'
~You were trying to show off, weren't you?~
'KENTA! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!'
~Not until you apologize.~
Zephyr appeared behind her and placed a hand on the kunoichi's shoulder. Next thing he knew, he was laying flat on his back, Xena's foot pressing into his chest.
"Oh, it's only you."
She picked her foot up and turned around to face Kenta.
"Xena, listen to me."
"Why should I?"
"I want to apologize."
Xena's eyes widened. Zephyr apologizing? What was going on? She slowly turned around, only to trip. Kenta held back laughter as his two teammates hit, lip on lip. Both of their eyes widened. Xena pulled away, a deep blush going across her cheeks, Zephyr the same.
"S-Sorry..." They said in unison.
"What are you sorry for? I was the one who tripped!" Xena said quietly, but forcefully.
"I'm sorry for what I put you through..."
And with that, Zephyr obtained a kiss on the cheek from his female teammate.
"It's okay... Zephyr-kun."
She smiled, then turned to Kenta, "Thanks Kenta!"
She kissed him on the cheek as well. Kenta grinned back at her,
"No problem, Xena. It's a good thing you helped me with my telepathy!"
Xena winked just as the proctor entered the room. His face was scarred, and even tougher to look at with his serious face on.
"All of you come and grab a number, we'll begin as soon as you are seated!"

It was 45 minutes into the test, and Xena was struggling with two of the questions. Kenta hadn't gotten any useful answers (the only thing he would write is how hot the girl next to him was) and Zephyr was a mental wreck. Xena rested her head on the desk and listened to Naruto's frantic breathing. No matter what she said, the stubborn shinobi wouldn't take any answers.
"Alright, listen up. I'm going to hand out the tenth question, but heed my word, there are some conditions. If you take the tenth and answer it correctly, then you are free to move on to the next test. But! If you take tenth question and fail it, YOU MAY NEVER BECOME A CHUUNIN! Any of you who do not feel ready, leave now."
Many kids got up. Naruto was about to, then slammed his fist on the table.
"If you think I'm giving up then you've got another thing coming!" He screamed to the proctor.
As soon as the departing shinobi and kunoichi left, Ibiki spoke up.
"Congratulations, you all passed!"
Xena was so happy she lept out of her seat onto the desk, "WOO!"
Zephyr watched his teammate cheer herself on and laughed at her enthusiasm. Kenta smiled to her. Naruto was cheering along with her.
"We did it, Xena-chan!"
Both of them did a little happy dance just as a woman burst through the window.
"Mitarashi Anko, present! I'm your proctor for the next test! It's survival! Oh and.... eat a good meal tonight, it might be your last."
"Ichiraku tonight, our teams together, on me!" Naruto shouted.
Team 7 sighed and Team 11 followed them out.

At Ichiraku, Naruto bragged on about how he wasn't nervous at all.
"Yeah right," Xena snorted, "You were practically wetting yourself."
Naruto blushed at the thought and looked down at the calm kunoichi. He let out a soft chuckle. Her head snapped up.
"What's so funny?"
"The kiss."
"What ki-"
'Shit.'
Zephyr stood up abruptly, "I'm gonna go see what Idun-sama is up to."
Zephyr left the rest of the group, Sasuke's stare following him.
"Hn, what's his problem?"
"I should say the same for you, Sasuke." Kenta spoke up from his third bowl of ramen.
Naruto and Kenta had found they were a lot alike, both loving ramen, both being loudmouths.
"Hey Kenta, I'm gonna call you Naruto Jr. from now on." Xena joked, her chopsticks hovering over the bowl.
"Ha ha, very funny."
Sakura was unsually quiet, something noted by everyone seated at the ramen bar.
"Sakura? Are you okay?" Xena moved over and put a hand on her forehead.
"Xena can I talk to you outside?"
The black haired kunoichi got up, "Sure."

The crisp night air stung Xena's face as they sat atop the Hokage heads. She stared at the moon, now nothing but a toenail (That's what I always think of it as) left in the sky. It hovered just above them, meaning it was about midnight. The two of them had been out here for 3 hours.
"Xena... I don't know if I should take this test... I mean, the written one was easy but you heard the second proctor!"
Xena sighed and placed a hand on her friend's shoulder, "Sakura, calm yourself. It's nothing more but survival. As long as no one break anything or gets sick, I'm sure you'll be fine."
"They're always protecting me!" Sakura yelled, pounding her fist in the dirt.
The young Adamana stared at her own hands. Those hands, long ago, helped defeat Sasuke Uchiha easily. But now...
Her thoughts strayed away and Sakura watched her curiously.
"Xena-chan?"
"Hm?"
"Will I ever get stronger?"
Xena pondered for a minute, "Both of us will. I guarantee it."
Once again, the wind rustled their hair and Xena let hers down. Her waist length midnight hair flew around her, and Sakura thought it looked like shadows were swallowing her up. Both were content.... until,
"Xena, let's go already." The silky voice of Zephyr called.
"Oi, Zephyr, leave me alone!"
Before she could do anything Zephyr was right in front of her, their noses touching.
"You. Will. Come. Now."
"No."
He couldn't take it. He bared his teeth at her and she backed away.
"No!"
"Bitch, I am your master in the nighttime, obey me!"
"NO!"
Sakura had thrown a rock at the enraged teen's head, giving Xena enough time to pin him to the ground.
"Zephyr, get a hold of yourself, that stupid kekkei genkai is taking you over again."
The bloodlust in Zephyr's eyes disappeared and his face relaxed.
"Xena?! What are you-"
She got up. He obviously thought she was trying to rape him or something, so she got up silently.
"I was making you sane again."
With a swish of her hair, she disappeared, leaving Sakura and Zephyr in the moonlight.
"Well, I suppose I'll take you home."
Sakura walked cautiously to him and allowed the mysterious shinobi to take her home. Before she entered her house, a single thought ran through her mind.
'He's much better than Sasuke-kun.'

It was about 2 in the morning and both Xena and Zephyr were sitting on the roof. It was their pasttime, as soon as they became teammates, they found out that they both loved the night.... for different reasons.
"Back there.... I'm sorry, Xena. I endangered your life."
"My normal life, if you bit me I'd be a vampire as well."
Zephyr shuddered at the thought, "But it's said that a clan with darkness jutsus as their kekkei genkai would mix well with my clan."
"Take Idun."
"You'd give your sister up that easily?"
"Wouldn't you?"
She had a point. Her sister was the overprotective one, his was more motherly. Was being the keyword.
"No. My sister was kind to me."
"Well my sister is too, it's just that she gets so annoying!"
Xena made a gesture of ripping her hair out and Zephyr laughed. He was never this close to anyone, especially a teammate.
"Xena I feel..."
"Hm?"
"Close to you."
"Close to me? The almighty Zephyr feeling close to a girl! Wow! I never thought this-"
She never finished. Zephyr had placed his lips on hers and the girl's eyes widened. As he pulled away, a smile graced his lips.
"I feel closer to you than anyone I've ever met..." He whispered.
"Zephyr... please remember, I'll always be here for you... Whenever you need help..."
The vampire beamed, "Thank you Xena-chan, especially tomorrow if I need help."
Xena's face twisted into one of shock, "Shit! I forgot about tomorrow!"
"Calm down, you'll never get to sleep that way!"
She frantically climbed off the roof and snuck into the house, Zephyr hot on her heels. Both said goodnight and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Xena was up first, having not fallen asleep at all. Quickly grabbing her clothes, she snuck into the bathroom, determined to take a shower first. As soon as she was about to take her nightgown off, Zephyr appeared next to her.
"Didn't think you were gonna get in first, did ya?"
"Uh, *yeah*, that's why I'm in here! NOW COULD YOU LEAVE, I'M HALF NAKED HERE!"
The vampire snorted and leaned against the door. His eyes were sparkling at Xena, who was just getting pissed off that he was there. Growling angrily, she threw at shoe at him, which he promptly dodged.
"Now, now, Xena, let's not get hasty."
"Who's getting hasty?!" She shrieked, aiming to wake up the others and get him away from her.
Her teammate began to approach her and a shiver of fear ran down the kunoichi's back.
"Z-Zephyr..." She said as confidently as she could, "Do not come near me. I can k-kill you!"
"Can being the keyword, but will I allow it?"
She knew there was no escape. Her heart pounded against her chest, if Zephyr killed her here....
Xena's eyes snapped open. No, she wasn't go to be defeated by him!
In her fit of anger, she pinned his against the wall, her hands at his wrists, her knees against his legs.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?!" She whispered dangerously into his ear.
"I love you, Xena. Why won't you let me show my affection?"
"Zephyr, I didn't want to have to do this..."
"Do wha-"
Xena had hit him in a pressure point, causing him to fall to the ground. She stealthily snuck over to Idun and prodded her until she woke up.
"Xe-Xena? What's wrong?"
So Xena told her sister the whole story, ending with how she knocked Zephyr out. Idun retrieved the boy and laid him on the bed. She felt his head.
"Maybe he was delirious.... he has a wicked fever."
"What's that, Idun-sama?"
Xena noticed the blush that spread across her sister's face as Masaru came over.
"H-He has a f-fever."
"My word... there's no way our team can compete." Masaru said with a hint of misery in his voice.
Xena sucked in a breath. She had been training healing jutsus but.... she wasn't exactly sure she could complete it.
"Let me try healing him." She said quietly.
"Xena-chan, I don't want you to." Idun stood up, "There's too much of a risk."
Xena didn't object, instead, she began to think of a loophole. Many plans formed in her mind, not one making sense, until...
"I got it!"
Both adults looked up, "What?"
"We get a replacement, and if Zephyr gets better during the second exam, Idun can use her shadow to link with mine and we can send him in!"
"Brilliant, Xena!" Masaru applauded, "But who's the replacement?"
Xena smirked, "An old friend of mine..."

The black haired kunoichi had been pelting rocks for thirty minutes until her "old friend" opened the window. It was amazing how she could open the window.
"Who's there?"
"It's Xena!"
"Xena Adamana? You're still alive?"
"Yes I am.... Tsukiko."
The orange haired kunoichi landed in front of Xena and they hugged.
"Tsukiko, I know this is sudden, but we need a replacement for my team, and you're the only one left."
"In the Chuunin exams?" The blind kunoichi questioned.
"Yes... wait a second, why aren't you participating?"
"I never made it to Genin."
There was an awkward silence between the two friends for a little.
"Don't worry, Tsukiko. You can borrow my teammate's headband."

All the teams stood at attention before Training Area 44 - otherwise known as, the Forest of Death. Xena scanned the remaining ninja. Only about 13 teams were left.
"How many are left?" Tsukiko asked, as if reading her mind.
"Only about 13 teams. Maybe this'll be easier than I thought."
The proctor began to speak, but no one payed attention. They knew it was survival. Just survive in some stupid forest right? WRONG!
"This is not your average survival. Each team will be given a scroll, either the heaven scroll, or the earth scroll. Your objective: Collect the other scroll without yours being taken and make it to the center tower. You CANNOT, I repeat, CANNOT, open these scrolls."
Tsukiko raised her hand, "Do we have a time limit?"
"7 days, tops. Oh, and a word of advise. JUST DON'T DIE!"
Many ninjas froze up as soon as she said that. Many ninjas, minus team 6,7,8, and 11. Xena, once again, noticed the girl named Ryuu. She looked somewhat bored, as Xena did. Kenta noticed her other teammate, a neko with dark brown hair, standing beside Ryuu looking extremely happy and excited. Last, but not least, Tsukiko was nodding in understanding. Xena nudged her in the ribs.
"What are you nodding for, you look like a weirdo."
"That boy over there is talking to me with his mind."
Xena stared at the blind kunoichi, happy that she couldn't see her staring, "With his mind?"
"Well someone is."
"Okay, here's a death waver, giving us permission (and so that your parents to sue!) to send you in there, with a risk of dying."
When the flyers were passed out, team 11 quickly signed. As Xena went to hand hers in, she bumped into someone, causing them to lose their balance.
'Damn, I'm doing that a lot lately!'
"I-I'm sorry, are you oka-"
Sure enough, it was Ryuu. Their eyes met and Xena noticed they were blue. Both girls stared at each other and Xena felt like she had a link with the kunoichi sitting next to her.
"Yes, I'm fine."
Xena helped the kunoichi up. She held her hand out.
"Hi, I'm Xena."
"Ryuu. Speaking of which, Xena, is that your name?"
"Yes, why?"
"Are you related to the Adamanas?"
A bolt of shock went through Xena's body, "I am one."
The girl before her nodded in understanding.
"I'm sorry about your clan."
"S-sorry?" Xena couldn't help it. She stuttered.
"Yeah, I mean... being massacred like that. How can you still be the one you are today?"
"I-I honestly d-don't know..." Xena whispered, loud enough only for Ryuu to hear.
"Okay folks, go to a gate!" Anko yelled, breaking the tension between the two.
"Well... I better go."
Ryuu nodded, "Yes, I should as well. My team is probably waiting. I look forward to seeing you again... Xena."

Team 11 stood at gate 37, which was chosen by Kenta. Tsukiko was remaining calm, her chakra flowing from her slowly and freely. Xena was practicing her doujutsu in secret. She had moved away from the group. Just as she was about to start, she met up with Hinata.
"Hello, Hinata."
"X-Xena-chan!"
Xena gave Hinata a hug, which she returned with a small smile.
"Are you okay, Hinata? You seemed like you were shaking."
"I-I'm nervous..."
"I know, me too."
"Oi, Hinata!" A voice called.
Both kunoichi turned to see a boy and his dog. The dog was jumping on Xena's leg, trying to make it to her face to lick it. Xena laughed and picked the small animal up. It licked her face as a gesture of friendship.
"Hinata," She said between laughs, "Whose dog is this?"
"Kiba-kun's..."
"Kiba... Inuzuka?"
"The one and only!"
Kiba walked over to Xena and pat his dog on the head.
"It seems Akamaru likes you." He noted.
Xena laughed, "Yes, I think he does, Kiba."
Kiba lightly picked up Akamaru and placed him on the ground, "Hinata, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend? And how do you know someone from the Sand village?"
"Sh-She's n-not fr-from the S-Sand.... her n-name is Xena Adamana..."
Kiba's eyes widened at the girl before him. He remembered her. That day... when the two groups of Academy students fought.

~He was in the crowd, watching the two stare each other down. Sasuke's face showed determination, the girl's showed power. Kiba watched as Sasuke launched a fireball jutsu. He laughed to himself.
'That girl's done!'
But what surprised everybody was that she had the fire swirling around her arms. A sickly sweet grin spread on her face and she launched it back. It sent most of the students flying, including Kiba and Akamaru. He held his dog tightly, as to not lose him. When the debris cleared, both were on the ground. Sasuke in defeat, the girl in pain.
When he had gotten home, he asked his sister who she was.
"Kiba-san, that was Xena Adamana."
"Idun's younger sister?"
"Yes, isn't she something?"
"Yeah..."
And from that day out, Kiba sometimes had dreams of the black haired girl and wondered what happened to her.~
"Kiba-kun?" Xena asked, waving an arm in front of him.
"Huh? What?"
"What were you daydreaming about?"
"Oh... uh... nothing."
At that point, Kenta had grabbed Xena by the wrist and starting dragging her away.
"Bye Kiba! Bye Hinata!" She yelled as she disappeared around the bend.
Both Kiba and Hinata were stunned.

"Are you nuts?! We thought you died!"
"I wouldn't die that easily, Kenta."
"Hmph."
"Kenta, please leave Xena alone. She doesn't need this." Tsukiko spoke up.
Xena knew Tsukiko had the ability to sense when something was wrong with her, and her prediction was just right. Xena really didn't need Kenta's worrying at the moment, she just wanted to focus on the task ahead. Suddenly, the jounin in front of the gate turned around and unlocked it. The gates sprang open and Team 11 was off into the forest.

The whole group had been moving for what seemed like hours. They had wound up with an Earth scroll, something Tsukiko considered lucky.
"I don't believe in luck," She had said, "But my element is Earth, and so is our scroll. Maybe it's a sign."
It had to be karma or something, because they hadn't been caught by any team that passed them. Until Xena just collapsed and fell off the branch they were on. Tsukiko heard the large "thump" her friend's body caused.
"Kenta, was that Xena that just fell?" Tsukiko questioned.
Kenta looked down and saw his teammate sprawled on the ground. He took his breath in and jumped down, about to lift his teammate off the ground when Tsukiko intervened.
"It wouldn't be wise to move her in case she broke something."
Kenta backed away and Tsukiko moved hands up and down her legs.
"Her bad knee'll probably be hurting her."
"Ye- Hey! How do you know about Xena's bad knee?"
"I'm her best friend, dimwit."
Tsukiko carefully dragged her friend into a nearby cave that she created. She mentally cursed herself for forgetting how to light a fire.
"It's okay." Kenta said suddenly.
"Hm?" Tsukiko turned her head toward the voice.
"You're cursing yourself for forgetting how to light a fire. It's better if we don't. Other teams will spot us then."
Xena's eyes fluttered, revealing pale white pupils.

Tsukiko heard Kenta's sharp intake of breath.
"What's wrong?"
"If you could see you'd be frightened."
Personally, Tsukiko took that as an insult, but couldn't find her tongue to respond. She had a feeling of dread sitting in the pit of her stomach, the feeling something nasty was about to happen.
Meanwhile, Kenta helped his teammate up, examining her now white eyes. They had a bluish tint to them, making them look mystical.
"Are you okay?" Kenta asked, his voice worried.
"Yeah..." Her body tensed up, "Wait a sec... I hear something."
"I feel something." Tsukiko added.
It was hard to tell what happened. It seemed as time stopped. Xena's knee was throbbing her awkward position, Kenta's arms getting sore. Tsukiko remained calm. The ninja that approached made Xena giggle... no... laugh at their stupidity.
Team 7 stood before them.
"Wow guys, how retarded could you get?!" Xena laughed, standing up correctly.
Naruto pouted, "Shut up and hand over your scroll!"
Tsukiko snorted, "Listen buddy, we're not handing over any scrolls, so I suggest you get moving. NOW."
Naruto cowered behind Sakura at the coldness in the blind kunoichi's voice. The weakest link would fall first.
"Just give us the scroll!" Sakura demanded.
"Aw, boo hoo." Xena teased, "Little Ms. Pinkie is gonna cry because we're not handing over our scroll."
Kenta turned to Sasuke, "And what are you, too cool to talk to us?!"
Sasuke's brow furrowed, "I don't have to. Naruto does enough of it."
Xena crossed her hands over her chest, "Well Sasuke, seems as though someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed... then again, you do that every morning!"
All of Team 11 burst out laughing. Naruto's face turned red, Sakura looked like she was ready to cry, and Sasuke was clenching his fists. Xena wiped her tears of laughter and put a hand on her hip. Both Naruto and Sasuke's eyes strayed down to her hand, then came back up.
"What? You think I'm hiding something?" Xena mocked hurt, "I can't believe you don't trust me!"
Just as Team 7 was going to attack, Tsukiko, once again, intervened.
"We don't have to fight." She said calmly.
"Whaaaaaaaaaaat?!" Naruto shrieked.
"If we work together, we'll be able to get out of this hell hole quicker than any of these other teams." Tsukiko reasoned.
Team 7 and Team 11 shook on it, but were then bombarded by an odd looking grass shinobi. He stood there, silently, until he flung Naruto and Kenta over into the forest. Xena opened her mouth to shout, but was cut off when the shinobi called out his jutsu,
"Kanashibari no jutsu!"
Instantly, everyone froze. Everyone except Tsukiko, who didn't know what was going on.
"Ah yes," The shinobi hissed through his teeth, "The blind girl doesn't know what's happening."
Tsukiko was so angered that tremors came from her feet. The shinobi eyed her warily.
Meanwhile, Sasuke and Xena seemed to have some kind of mental link going on.
'He's showing me my death...' A shiver went through Sasuke's spine.
'We have to get out of here! If Tsukiko loses her anger, this whole forest is as good as destroyed!'
Xena took out a kunai and stabbed her leg with it. The red liquid oozed down her thigh and it seemed to excite the shinobi in front of them. He forgot to hide his chakra for a moment and Xena knew exactly who it was.
Acting quickly, she gave directions to Tsukiko and grabbed Sakura and Sasuke. Moving a a good amount away from that shinobi, Xena placed her friends on the ground and pricked their fingers with senbon. The crystal in her chest pained her terribly, but she showed no pain.
"Xena-sama... Sasuke-kun...." That familiar hiss scared the living shit out of the both of them.
Both ninja whizzed around to face the one known only as Orochimaru. Praised as one of the Sannin, how did he end up in here?
"Shit..." Xena whispered.
Sasuke nodded in agreement.
"Why do you two run from me?"
Suddenly, he was hit backwards. She had moved too quick for him to see.
"Shut the fuck up, snake boy!"
Her eyes blazing with fury, she fought like a madman, sending punches and kicks into the man before her. Her taijutsu wasn't working. Calling Sasuke aside, she took a breath. Kenta and Naruto had both joined them now, sweat glistening on their foreheads.
"You know ninjutsu, right?"
"Of course."
"That's the only thing that's going to-"
A wave of pain was sent through her body and she clutched her chest in pain.
"Xena?"
"Go Sasuke! Don't wait for me, help your team!"
Sure enough, both teams had begun to fight the Sannin. Sasuke jumped into the battle, Xena trying to catch her breath. This crystal was slowly but surely killing her. She felt that familiar cold chill as it began to try and convert her to an angel.
"Sorry whoever you are," She growled, "But I don't have time to put up with you."
Her heart pounded against her throat. This jutsu was unstable, it could kill her if it went on too long. But she had no choice, it was this, or let everyone she held dear die.... again.
It suddenly felt like she had become numb to her emotions. The crystal was sucking her into that familiar void. Forming her angel seal, Xena took a deep breath.
"Akki, datenshi no jutsu!"
Wings broke out from her back, her angelic white eyes focused themselves on the Sannin.
"Orochimaru," She hissed, her fallen angel self feeling hatred for the snake-like man, "If you take their lives, I swear on my pathetic life that you'll go down with them!"
Forming seals quickly, she opened her eyes, now black to her kekkei genkai, "Kage, muma no jutsu!"
Shadow creatures sprung up out of the ground, their grotesque figures advancing on the Sannin. Orochimaru eyed them, impressed that she was able to control them.
With the others, Kenta held a worried look. She couldn't control herself in that state, and if she killed Orochimaru it would be bound to raise some eyebrows. He moved everyone back, but Tsukiko stood her ground.
"I'm going to save her."
Before she could do anything, a shadow creeped across the ground. From within it's confines, Zephyr appeared, looking better than ever.
"Aw, I'm missing all the fun!" He complained.
He spotted Xena and his breath caught in his throat. She was forced in THAT state. Her now black eyes pointed towards the group.
"Run!" She commanded.
Both teams sprinted for their lives, Orochimaru blocking Sasuke's way. The shinobi immediately began to form his seals.
"Katon, Ryuuka no jutsu!"
His opponent was blasted against a tree and Xena guarded his way, unknowing that Orochimaru had already planted the seal on Sasuke's neck. The Uchiha screamed in pain as Sakura rushed to his side. Naruto guarded the two.
"Zephyr! We have to try it out! Kenta! Tsukiko! Let's try it!"
"Raija, tenka no jutsu!"
A bolt of lightning set the branch on fire. Xena collected it in her hands and waited for Tsukiko. The blind kunoichi set rocks flying forward, which Xena set on fire. After the rocks collided with their opponent, Kenta did multiple sword slashes on him. Orochimaru grabbed the young shinobi by the neck.
"Kenta!" Tsukiko could feel the boy's fear.
Everyone turned to Xena and watched her expression. Her brow had furrowed and she seemed concentrating on something.
"Sanbiimu no jutsu!"
A sunbeam cut through the trees and missed Orochimaru by a hair. While he was dodging, Xena had grabbed Kenta out of the man's grasp. A familiar mark was on his chest (his shirt had been ripped open) and tears spilled down the kunoichi's face. That bastard hurt Kenta, now she was going to hurt him.
The follow up explosions occured and Orochimaru dodged them easily.
"That's enough for now, and thank you for those two shinobi. They will be excellent adds to my collection."
With that, he disappeared.
Tsukiko felt the rush of emotions coming from everyone. Sakura was cradling Sasuke's head and sobbing, Naruto trying to sooth Sakura. Zephyr had joined Xena in caring for Kenta. The boy paled worse than ever, his red hair standing out remarkably.
"We have to move him..." Zephyr whispered to her.
Tsukiko interjected, "It wouldn't be wise... He put a mark on him, didn't he, Xena?"
"Yes!" She sobbed.
It was then when it hit her like a ton of bricks. She cared too much. Her emotions ran wild, and that's exactly why she had lost. (What she didn't know is that she couldn't beat him) Standing up abruptly, she gained a look from Zephyr and an eyebrow raise from Tsukiko.
"Tsukiko, let's go."
"Where are we going?"
"To get our last scroll."

About ten minutes later, the duo met up with another team. A group of Konoha ninja stood under them, none of the recognizable. Tsukiko captured them in a rock prison and Xena blinded them with darkness. Stealthily creeping along the ground, she felt a kick to her side. She slid across the ground, her skin being cut and shred beneath her. The boy, their leader she supposed, laughed.
"Is that what you call stealth?"
'I'll show you stealth...'
But before she could do anything, Tsukiko had sent them flying backwards, a scroll in her hand.
"I believe this is what you need. I sensed the chakra emanating from it. We're good to go."
The only thing she didn't noticed because she was blind was that it wasn't the right scroll.
"Tsukiko, we already have this scroll."
"Oh... well.... let's keep moving then!"

It took about another hour to find another team, this one of mist shinobi.
'Great, water...' Xena mentally groaned, 'I'll have to resort to my darkness stuff...'
But she didn't want to, so she resorted, once again, to stealth. Making sure there was nothing that could give off her presence, she snuck a shadow hand into the shinobi's belt and snatched the scroll. Both of the friends took off before they could notice.

Telling Zephyr the good news, they picked up Kenta and began moving. The red haired shinobi would toss and stir, but made no attempt of waking up. Zephyr noticed Xena was stoic and had an emotionless mask on. Her black hair was tangled and wild, blood stains began showing through her shirt. It seemed like she took all the hits for the team... well.... along with Kenta. Tree after tree passed and Tsukiko noticed something odd.
"I feel powerful chakra. Have we passed this scenery before?"
"Yeah, I think we have!" Zephyr agreed.
"We're in a genjutsu." Xena said, her kekkei genkai on her eyes, "Just follow me, I know the way out of it."
If the two conscience teammates could exchanged looks, they probably would've. Instead, they followed obediantly.

After another hour, Team 11 was standing before the center tower. Kenta had waken up a few minutes ago, his death like state having scared them all. He laughed and said he was okay, although the rip in his shirt made it a bit drafty. Zephyr actually laughed and Tsukiko cracked a smile, but Xena showed no emotion. Her heart was sealed, off limits. Her mind focused on the task ahead, getting into the tower and using the scrolls to unlock some riddle. Silently, she created a shadow and instructed Tsukiko to jump in. She reassured the blind kunoichi that it was right in front of her and that it wouldn't hurt at all. Xena gave the kunoichi a confident pat and Tsukiko left the group. Zephyr pushed open the door and Team 11 entered the tower.

Xena's angel jutsu had finally worn off and the group had set to solving the puzzle.
"Between heaven and earth..." Kenta read slowly.
"What the fuck?" Zephyr questioned, "How the fuck are we supposed to figure this out?"
Xena's eyes scanned the room and noticed smoke coming out of the scroll in Kenta's hand.
'A trap!'
"Kenta! Throw the scroll!"
"What?"
Xena was becoming impatient, "JUST THROW IT!"
Kenta tossed the scroll just as a small explosion echoed through the room. Team 11 covered their eyes and gazed into the smoke, expecting some sort of monster to pop out. Instead, Masaru stepped through the smoke.
"Congratulations!"
"On what?" Kenta asked, dumbfounded with the whole situation.
"You passed!"
Both Kenta and Zephyr let out a sigh of relief, Xena's expression was neutral.
"So now what?" She asked in an emotionless voice.
Masaru raised an eyebrow, "Well, you can come join the other teams that made it."
The wall behind him split into a door and opened, leading to an indoor arena. There were cots set up all over and some teams were already resting on them. Kenta noticed Team Sand, team Gai, and team 6 there. Xena met Ryuu's eyes. The other kunoichi shot her a worried look, but Xena shrugged it off, uncaring that there were people who cared FOR HER.
Team 11 set their stuff up on cots next to Team Gai, their closest (minus Zephyr, who hated the whole group, excluding Tenten) friends. The black haired kunoichi took out a picture of her mother and stared at it. It seemed as if her world went quiet whenever she stared at that picture.
'Mom... I wish you were here...'
\She's in your thoughts, though.\
'But...'
Suddenly, there was a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to see Neji and Tenten, both wearing concerned faces.
"Xena?" Tenten sat next to her.
The girl's temperature flowed through Xena, making her warmer and lighthearted. Her emotionless face didn't crack, but Tenten knew she was better.
"We're playing darts with kunai and senbon! Wanna play?"
Neji snorted, "Tenten, we all know you're going to win."
Tenten batted her eyelashes, "Thankie, Neji!"
Xena ignored the two and turned her back on them. The coldness took over her heart, her body, her mind. She went numb.
'There is no one that-"
Neji put a hand on her shoulder. It seemed to emanate more warmth through her body. It gave her purity in her dark soul.
"Neji..." Her voice came out barely a whisper.
"Tell me what's wrong. Everyone else just left to go to dinner."
The girl remained silent. Nothing would escape her, not even a trace of feeling. Her kekkei genkai lined her eyes, making them mysteriously black. For some reason, Neji liked her eyes better that way. He felt a light blush begin to creep across his cheeks, but noticed it stopped because of the cut that had slashed one open. He winced and put a hand to it.
Xena's eyes averted themselves to Neji's cheek where a gash was bleeding openly. She looked down at herself. The backs of her arms were bleeding like crazy, her knees were skinned, her chest was bloodstained where Orochimaru had gotten a hit in. Something that could be considered a laugh escaped her mouth.
"What are you laughing for?" Neji asked, a hint of laughter in his own voice.
A small small formed it's way across the Adamana's features, "We're a mess."
Neji was surprised at her next move. She brought a finger to his cheek and gently began wiping the blood off of his cut. She reminded him of a nurse, her smile was healing his soul while her hands healed his skin.
"Neji-san... does it hurt?"
"Ah-"
Before he could say anything, she had placed a hand over it and closed her eyes. The hand over his face emanated light green chakra, healing chakra. He felt the skin mending itself, speeding the healing process. Xena stood next to him with a surprised look. Obviously, she didn't think she could do it.
"Well Xena-chan," Neji stood up, his finger wavering over his newly healed cut, "Let's get some dinner."

In the dining hall, ninja were ambling about, wandering aimlessly while looking at the splur of food set out. Everything was there, spaghetti to steak. Xena's mouth watered. She hadn't had any gourmet food in a long time. Neji noticed and smiled to himself. They had to have had a hard time after her clan was destroyed. Immediately, she had run to the table that was filled with food and quickly filled her plate.
"Neji-kun!"
The Hyuuga sighed and turned to see Tenten. She had her plate filled with various foods, most being meats (Tenten doesn't care about her weight, that's why I love her!).
"Tenten, where did-"
"Xena go? She's in line for some food. Why don't you get some food too, Neji?"
"I'm not necessarily hungry. Besides, there's always tomorrow."
"Suit yourself!" Tenten rushed over to a table where kunoichi were sitting.
The Hyuuga watched as Xena laughed at Tenten's clumsy attitude. Her laugh leaked into everyone else, who also laughed, even Tenten. Hinata smiled a little, confident that she wasn't being watched. Neji turned his back to the table, a smirk slashing his face. Maybe these exams weren't going to be boring.

Back in the stadium, all of the beds were set up. Xena sat on hers which was next to Hinata. The Hyuuga Heiress was tracing her finger over the frame of a picture.
"Hinata?"
"It's nothing..."
Without her consent, Xena had grabbed the picture. It was Hinata and Naruto standing by a glittering lake. Hinata shrunk away from him while Naruto had his goofy grin on like usual.
"Oi, Hinata!"
Kiba bounded into the curtain around their beds. The little white dog known as Akamaru followed him.
"Kurenai-sensei wants to talk to us, the other teams are coming!"
Hinata gulped audibly and nodded, leaving Xena in silence. Now there was no way she could practice anything... or even challenge the person she wanted to... Or-
"False alarm, people! They didn't have both scrolls!"
Many of the ninja there let out a sigh of relief. Kakashi continued on,
"There will be a short training session tomorrow, pick your sparring partner now!"
The Adamana looked around. Everyone seemed so strong... how would she ever make it through?

The sleep that night had been disturbed many times because of all the clumsy people in the dark. After the wake up call, the ninjas stumbled into the dining room. Many were knocking dishes off the table, knocking cups over, spilling things... basically, it was a mess.
Xena was at a table with Ryuu and Hinata... the only two kunoichi who managed to make it in early. It was an almost silent breakfast, with the occasional shout from other tables. No one really wanted to talk the upcoming battles, they had been informed it was all randomly chosen, so they couldn't even prepare. Well they could, just not against their opponent. But how could they tell if that person was their opponent? It was all getting confusing.
"I don't understand why it's random..." Ryuu complained, laying her head on the table.
"Me neither." Xena's head landed on her plate.
Hinata eyed the two, then giggled. Both girls looked up with suspicion.
"What's so funny, eh Hinata?" Ryuu asked, getting up and leaning back on her chair.
"N-Nothing, Ryuu-chan! It's just... Xena you have some oatmeal in your hair."
Xena 'mmphed' and attempted to wipe it out. No good, it only smeared more. Eh, what was the use? No one cared about how she looked anyway.
After a few more minutes of eating and waking up, everyone sauntered into the stadium to train. It was heard that more teams were making their way over to the tower, and everyone who was anyone was worried. Kunoichi exchanged weapon tips, shinobi glared at each other. Jounin senseis gave last minute tips. Xena, however, wasn't affected by any of this.
The only thing she was worried about was actually making it through the exam, and maybe even making it to the coveted final round. How she strived for the title of champion! She would finally be a someone in the huge world of shinobi, she was to be noticed! No more of her sister, who only made it to the first round, it would be known that she, Xena Adamana, beat her sister in a fight!
Being caught up in the moment, she hardly noticed Kiba, Hinata, and Shino calling her name.
"Xena!"
The girl turned her head, still deep in thought.
"Would you like to train with us?"
It was at that time that another team, team Gai, took over the position of training with Xena. Although Team 8 bargained, yelled, and punched their way into change, it never happened. So there Xena was, training with Tenten, Neji, and Lee, all the while trying to ignore Neji who was standing right next to her. All she could do was practice her taijutsu, she had split concentration and could possibly kill anyone in sight of the wrong jutsu. Sighing, she sat down cross legged and began studying her fingers.
"Xena-san?" Tenten sat down next to her, "Are you okay?"
"Eh."
"That does not answer her question, Xena-chan!" Lee bounded over.
"Whatever."
"Why are you not happy? You passed the second test!" Lee was over the top with excitement.
"I have no time to feel expressions, the only thing I have time for is training."
"She's right you two," Neji appeared behind her, "If you both stand around talking all day, there's no way you'll get farther in the exams."
For once, Xena did not blush, she did not smile at his voice, she did not feel warmth flow through her. It was as if she was gaining her sister's name: Ice Queen.
She couldn't do that! Certainly a fire user could not obtain an ice name! So instead, she would call herself the Cold Flame. Something that was cold... and had to do with flames.
Forget that.
That was when he asked her.
"Xena, would you care to spar with me? Perhaps you'll put up more of a fight than you did as a child!"
Without knowing, Neji sprinted forward at her. Just as he shot his palm forward, Xena's natural instinct told her duck. So she did, and sent Neji flipping towards the wall. He came back and began rapidly throwing his palms forward. Xena ducked, backbended, and flipped out of the way.
"Come on!" Neji shouted, "Show me your skills!"
"You're not showing yours!" She shot back.
Neji's brow furrowed, "Hn, you would be destroyed by my skills."
Her temper flared, but she kept her face calm.
"Jyuuken!"
A shot of chakra went through her and she immediately crumpled to the ground.
"Neji!" She heard Tenten's voice, "That was cruel!"
Before the weapon kunoichi could say anything else, Xena was shakily standing up.
She smirked, "It wouldn't be fair to not show you my technique..."
With that, she spontaneously combusted. Neji searched the arena, but she was nowhere in sight. Suddenly, he felt himself sinking through the ground. Pale hands were around his ankles and a shadow was pulling him in. He fought against it with all his might, but to no avail. Xena had captured him.
It was like he was in a bad dream, everything was dark. Echoes bounced off invisible walls.
"Neji," Her voice echoed, "I hope you like being hurt, because I'll show you what I'm made of."
A hit to the back. He spun around. A hit to the side, a hit to the shoulder. He fell to one knee. His vision was growing blurry.
"Wh-what i-is th-this?" The spinning room made him dizzy.
"A special Adamana technique, scared Neji?"
"N-no..." His eyes were closing.
And he fell to the ground.

Somewhere in the distance, he heard Tenten yelling. Lee was shouting something about Neji collapsing from exhaustion. And he felt a hand on his chest. His eyes fluttered and a filter of light shone through. Grey eyes were peering down at him.
"Neji-san, are you okay?"
Neji groaned and shifted himself. Xena backed up and entwined her hands together. It was odd to see Neji in such a state, his eyes were wide and fearful, his body shook violently. The kunoichi closed her eyes.
'Focus... healing chakra.... come to me!'
Her hands were shrouded in green chakra and she held them over Neji's forehead. Immediately, his shivering stopped and his eyes returned to normal. She backed up again and wiped her hands on her pants.
"Nothing but a little mental damage."
"A LITTLE?!" Lee shrieked, "IT LOOKED LIKE HE WAS GOING TO DIE!"
"Lee!" Tenten smacked him, "Calm down! Xena-chan! I've never seen an attack so strong!"
"It's called Demon's Barrage."
Neji shuddered and remembered the name of her attack. A few seconds later, Kakashi called for bed.
"Let's go everyone! Get to your makeshift rooms!"

All ninjas stood in lines. The Hokage began to speak, but no one really payed attention. Xena's heart was pounding, she had seen the effects of her attack on Neji. That could be her ace in the hole.
He was a bit unstable last night, but he seemed to alright now.
'Especially if I fight him...' Xena smirked.
After much more talk, many ninjas leaving, and rules and guidelines, the board finally began to mix of the combatants. Everyone held their breath, the first people to go would show exactly how much you were supposed to put out.
Before it finished, Xena caught Sasuke grasping his shoulder in pain. He must have gotten the same curse that Kenta had.
For those of you who are worried about Kenta, his curse mark has not activated yet. He seemed very quiet, probably still shaken about the previous events.
He was there when Xena tested out her new attack, and was even more worried that he would fight her.

Back to the story...

The board stopped. The combatants: Uchiha Sasuke, Akadou Yoroi.
No one had even heard of this Yoroi guys, but from the looks of things, Sasuke stood no chance.
From the balcony, his fangirls were screaming and all the shinobi.... and Xena.... were covering their ears.
"Begin!"

~Sasuke vs. Yoroi~

Sasuke prepared his hand signs until a piercing pain shot through his body.
'Dammit.... this mark keeps hurting me....'
His opponent snickered, "Looks like this'll be easy!"
Without warning, Yoroi flew forward and planted a hand on Sasuke's forehead. The shinobi screamed in pain as Yoroi sucked his chakra. Yoroi sat on Sasuke, preventing his escape. The Uchiha's eyes drooped and his hand fell to the side.

Xena noticed Sasuke's strength draining and how easily he was going to give up. Oh no, he was NOT going to drop out this easily!
"SASUKE!" She stood on the railing, "GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME!"

"SASUKE!"
His eyes snapped open at his name. It was time to do some damage. Mustering his strength, the shinobi kicked Yoroi in the stomach, sending the older ninja reeling. Sasuke staggered around him and kicked him high into the air. Gathering some more strength, he jumped up and prepared to attack when another wave of pain raked his body. He squinted and noticed those famliar marks taking him over.
'Shit...'

Most of the ninja noticed odd marks spreading over Sasuke's body. Kakashi raised an eyebrow. The marks were receding and Sasuke continued his assault.

A kick there, another punch to the side, a blow to the head, and a final kick to the stomach! The breath was knocked out of Yoroi and Sasuke was staggering.
"The winner is Uchiha Sasuke!"
After his name was called, he collapsed to the ground.

A few minutes later, the fighting field was cleared and the procter cleared his throat.
"Let's see who's next, shall we?" He wheezed.
The screen began scrambling up the names again, all the participants tense.
"Abume Zaku, Sabaku no Gaara, please enter the ring!"
All eyes turned to the Sand ninja as he turned to sand and reappeared in the ring.
Zaku jumped over the railing.
"Begin!"

~Zaku vs. Gaara~

Zaku prepared his blasters.
"Zakuuha!"
Sound waves blasted throughout the stadium, but not one did any harm to Gaara who was standing boredly. The sound ninja fired wave after wave, and as his chakra depleted, Gaara attacked more and more. Finally, Zaku fell to one knee.
"Sabaku kyuu!"
Sand grabbed the other ninja and pulled him into the air. Zaku struggled against it's otherworldly grasp, but nothing would break it. Gaara's mouth curved upward in a tiny smirk.
"Sabaku Sousou!" He closed his fist.
The sand crushed the other shinobi. Blood rained from the sky. Gaara stood in the middle of all of it, unaffected by the events occuring around him.

Xena, once again, had to clean up after Zephyr, who had gotten sick on the balcony.
"Why am I stuck doing this?"
As she looked down, Gaara was holding his head, his face in a demonic smile.
'Shit.... the Sabaku again?'
He once again disappeared into sand and got on the balcony.

Meanwhile, in the arena, officials were searching for any remains of the Abume. Nothing. His exsistance was erased... Gaara got his wish. Hayate cleared his throat to gain attention.
"Due to the opponent dying, the winner is Sabaku no Gaara. On to the next match..."
Although blood littered the field, they had to go on. It wouldn't be fair to make all the eager ninjas to wait, right?

The board stopped.
"Sabaku no Kankurou, Tsurugu Misumi, enter the arena!"
Both ninjas stepped down.
"Begin!"

~Kankurou vs. Misumi~

Xena watched boredly as both ninja launched attack after attack, neither doing any damage. She could sense their chakra depleting quickly. She turned to Zephyr, who had finally gained the color in his face.
"You okay now?"
"Yeah..."
"Zephyr, listen to me."
"Okay."
"If you fight against any of that Team 6 or a Hyuuga, forfeit. Your jutsus will do not harm to them."
The boy's eyes widened.
"What do you mean?!"
"I'm telling you to give up." Xena turned her back to him, "And don't tell me I'm being arragant. I know what arragance is."
The other ninja sniffed irritably and turned his back as well, "If you fight Neji, I hope he kills you!"
"Such small words, Zephyr, good luck on that hope."
By the time they turned back to the fight, it was called a tie.

~Yumi vs. Ino~

"Up next is... Yamamoto Yumi and Yamanaka Ino."
Both kunoichi stepped into the ring. Yumi seemed very happy to be there, Ino was iching to fight. Xena stood on the balls of her feet and peered into the arena. Both of them were very interesting....
"Begin!"

The Youkai, Yumi Xena remembered her name was, fired arrows with precise aim. Ino attempted to dodge them, but stood no chance. Yumi's attacks were just too strong. The one thing that Xena was amazed with was how Yumi could turn into a liquid, and come back whole again. It truly amazed her. The match was over quickly, Yumi the winner. She jumped about enthusiastically, causing Xena and Hinata to giggled quietly
"Good going, Yumi!" She heard Ryuu's voice.
Xena sighed at that voice. It was always so confident and powerful. But Xena didn't have any other thoughts, as the last thing she heard was:
"Tenten, Adamana Xena, your match is now!"

Next time:
"I can't do this.... IT ISN'T WORTH THE TIME!"
Xena fights Tenten, Naruto faces off against Chouji, Shikamaru goes toe to toe with Kin, Temari rips Sakura to shreds, and Ryuu finally gets her turn.

Xena nervously stepped into the ring while Tenten measured her distance.
"Begin!"
Tenten jumped into the air and rained down kunai along with various other items of weaponry. The Adamana attempted to dodge everything, yet some kunai hit her hard. One was going through her shoulder and blood was trickling down her arm. Despite the burning sensation it sent through her body, the younger girl sprinted forward, her own kunai pointed at Tenten's throat. The weapon master backflipped just in time to avoid the deadly stab. Xena growled in irritation and sent a kick into Tenten's side, then a punch to her jaw. Tenten lay on the floor, the pain so intense from a regular kick. How could it be?
That was when she noticed the burns where Xena's legs had made contact. The kunoichi gasped in shock and stood up, swaying slightly.
"What's the matter, Tenten?" Xena asked, a look of amusement on her somewhat pretty face, "Giving up?"
"You wish!"
Scrolls were planted on the ground and Tenten narrowed her eyes.
"Shoushoryuu!"
She launched herself into the air and threw weapons straight at her opponent.
The only problem being, her opponent had disappeared. Tenten flashed back to Neji writhing in agony, Xena announcing it was her doing. It was then that Tenten noticed.
She was scared.
She didn't want to admit it, but that was the truth. No wonder her legs were shaking and her aim was off by the slightest bit. A frantic search of the room showed no results, it was as if Xena had completely disappeared. Until she heard the kunoichi's voice.
"Kage, kagemusha (fallen warrior) no jutsu!"
Jounin and chuunin sprang up from Tenten's shadow, advancing on her menacingly. However, a simple kunai made them disappear and Tenten now knew were the other kunoichi was.
She was in the shadows.
'If only I could lure her out somehow...'
Tenten couldn't even hear herself think over Lee's shouts of encouragement.

"C'MON TENTEN! TAKE HER DOWN!"
"I wouldn't get your hopes up for her, Lee." Neji closed his eyes.
"Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?!" The green clad teen turned on his teammate, "What do you mean by that?!"
"If the Adamana uses that technique she used on me... Tenten is done for. I lasted only because I had the will, by then, Tenten will have given up."
Lee was silent as he considered this. The match was heated between the two, but Xena seemed to drain her energy quickly.

'Dammit.... my chakra is dangerously low..... What do I do now?'
/You know what you have to do./
'What? Who are you?'
/Your inner being. Trust yourself on this one, use THAT jutsu./
She wouldn't believe herself. Instead, she prepared fire seals.
"Katon, ryuuka no jutsu!"
Tenten was caught in the fire and that was her mistake. Xena held her with a shadow.
"Katon, shounetsujigoku (inferno) no jutsu!"
An onslaught of fire shot from Xena's chest and bombarded on Tenten. The other kunoichi screamed in pain and collapsed.
"The winner... Adamana Xe-?"
Xena fell to the ground, exhausted, but satisfied. She had won... but now it was time to rest...

Zephyr watched as they took Tenten and Xena away. That was certainly a heated match, but Xena was right. His wish didn't come true. How he would've loved to see her fight Neji and get some sense beaten into her. She acted tough, but she really wasn't. All she had was ninjutsu, but that couldn't make a ninja. Taijutsu could, maybe genjutsu, but ninjutsu alone?
And then came that doujutsu of hers (A/N So many jutsus! =S). Was it for real? She had left it on since they entered the tower and yet it didn't seem to drain energy like the Byakugan or Sharingan. It probably did, but she just didn't show it. Like usual.
One could say that Zephyr hated his teammate. The real reason he critiqued her was to find a weak point, some weakness in her bravery and courage. The only thing that he could think of was to bring up her past. It broke her down every time.
"Zephyr! The next match is starting!"
Zephyr turned his attention to Kenta, then to the ring, where Uzumaki Naruto and Akimichi Chouji were staring each other down. He smirked.
"Heh, a fatass and a loser. What a great combination."

Naruto fidgeted in his spot. Chouji seemed stronger than he looked. If he used one of his jutsus and it hit him, Naruto would be done for.
"Begin!"
"Baika no jutsu!"
"Crap!"
Chouji began rolling towards Naruto. The orange clad ninja quickly dodged and made that famous hand sign.
"Kage bunshin no jutsu!"
Multiple Narutos surrounded the now enlarged Chouji. Four kicked him into the air.
"Uzumaki!"
Two hit him back down to the ground.
"Naruto Rendan!"
This time, Chouji got up slowly. The Akimichi could just see the determination in Naruto's eyes, and knew it wouldn't be long. But that didn't give him a reason to just throw in the towel.
"Baika no jutsu!"
Once again, Chouji used his special jutsu, except this time he bounced on top of Naruto. The blonde looked flattened, but stood back up. He looked like he was broken in half, just bending over in pain. Chouji smirked. Maybe he could win this match. Just as he was about to use his final jutsu, the Naruto in front of him disappeared.
"Bunshin?" Chouji questioned.
He suddenly felt pain in the back of his head as he whizzed towards the wall. We must note that Chouji did in fact attempt to manuever himself for a safe hit... he just didn't do it quick enough. Next thing he knew, stars were spinning around his head and the world went black.
"Uzumaki Naruto is the winner."
Naruto made a scene, his pasttime. As he entered the overhang, Sakura hit him on the head.
"Ow! Sakura-chan! What was that for?"
"For being an idiot!"
Naruto scowled and crossed his arms.

Zephyr yawned. Another boring match. Geez, it seemed like these Konoha ninja really sucked. He turned to Masaru.
"Masaru-sensei."
"Hm?"
"Who did you fight when you were in the exams?"
"I made it to the second round of the finals. I fought Hatake Kakashi and lost badly."
"No, in the preliminaries."
"I fought Yuuhi Kurenai and beat her easily. Apparently, she's made it to jounin now."
Zephyr noticed his sensei glance over at the red eyed beauty. She payed no attention to him whatsoever, but he still had a secret love for her.
"Tsuchi Kin, Nara Shikamaru!"

Shikamaru lazily stumbled down into the arena.
'Menduksei...'
"Begin!"
"Kage mane no jutsu!"
Kin easily dodged it, "I know of your shadow imitation already."
The kunoichi threw senbon. Shikamaru dodged it and contemplated his plan.
'Both of those had bells on them... next time she'll try one with bells and one without bells. I'll only dodge the one with bells because my mind is used to dodging senbon like that...'
Once again, Kin threw senbon, but Shikamaru forgot to dodge the second one. Good thing he had moved over a little so it wasn't a critical hit. It was then his eyes almost popped out of his head. There was more than one Kin!
"Heh, this match is over." They chimed.
Being the genius he was, Shikamaru sent his shadow along the string attached. Apparently, that string was used to activate the genjutsu. Kin suddenly froze.
"Wh-What's going on?!"
"I used that troublesome string of yours to stretch my shadow across it."
Kin's eyes widened and she attempted to break free. Shikamaru grabbed shuriken.
"You're crazy!" Kin shrieked as her own hand snaked into her weapon pouch.
"Maybe so, but I need to be to defeat you!"
With that, he released the shuriken. His opponent's shuriken whizzed towards him. Without a care in the world, the Nara backbended.
"Easy, I'll just copy you!" Kin went to backbend...
BANG!
The kunoichi lie on the floor, unconcious. Shikamaru got up and wiped his hands off.
"Menduksei..."

The next fight went by so quickly it was hard to see what was going on. After about two minutes, Sakura was face down on the ground unconcious. Everyone seemed tense, there were many strong opponents left. By now, Naruto had jumped down into the ring and was checking on Sakura. Temari's winds had cut her in multiple spots and they were now bleeding profusely. The blonde shinobi was worried about her.
"Get medic nins, now!" Kakashi commanded.
Medic nins rushed to the field. Zephyr turned away.
'Xena... what did they do with her? This girl only has minor cuts but Xena had....'
He wouldn't allow himself to think about her. She was a nuisance, a pain. Why did he even care?
Because she promised she would help him, protect him....
She loved him.
No one had noticed when the board had stopped shuffling names. Eien Ryuu, Irikiri Kenta.

Her face was lined with pain, her injuries refused to stop bleeding. Idun sighed and sat heavily down on a chair. Something odd was going on. Her sister suddenly froze and blood trickled from her mouth.
"What the hell is going on?!"

~Xena's Dream~
Death. That was all the surrounded her. And how she felt. No one was there for her, no one to soothe her fears. No Temari, no Idun, no Zephyr or Neji. Damn...
Her brows furrowed in concentration. What was this odd sensation coursing through her body? It felt like she was dipped in hot oil, her skin withering away at the flames.
Beginning to panic now, she turned her head and faced a fearsome sight.
A black hawk stared back at her.
"Ah-"
Before anything could be said, the hawk had knocked her off of her feet.
"Wh-What are you?!"
"Heh... I am the monster your own conscience created. My name is Shichiro."
The Adamana's eyes widened in fear.
"Trying to be the best, pretending to be emotionless, such pitiful attempts..." The beast continued, "Have you ever considered being yourself for once?"
"My...self?" The kunoichi repeated.
"Yes, if it weren't for me, you would've lost that match. All because you wanted to impress-"
"SHUT THE HELL UP!"
"Neji." The creature finished.
Xena narrowed her eyes, "What are you saying?"
"Allow me to assist you, and Neji will be unable to keep his eyes off of you."
The kunoichi contemplated this for a minute, then shook her head vigorously.
"Creature of darkness," She addressed him, "I do not have full faith in you. Unless you show me how you can make me stronger, I will not take your word."
The monster let out a snarl and moved closer to her.
"You're a stubborn one, eh? Fine. But it is not power such as that of a bijuu or curse seal. No, this is more like... intellectual power."
"Hm?"
"I know things that you have locked away, or that were erased from your memory."
And darkness began to enshroud her. She had never noticed it, but sometimes even her, the user, was scared of her own jutsu.
"Wh-What is this?!"
Hands moved across her body, sending chills down her spine. The world spun, her eyes drooped.
"Child, awaken yourself!"
Light filled her eyes and it suddenly felt like kunai were once again piercing her skin. It then felt like her soul was ripped from her as she floated down with the hawk into the arena... something was not right.
~End~
Idun snapped back into reality as her younger sister screamed and writhed in pain. It was as if some invisible force had attacked her. But then there was silence. Deadly silence...
"Xena?"
Not even a twitch.
"Xena?!" Tears were streaming down her older sister's face.
Medic nins swarmed in the room.
"Idun-sama... She is beginning to develope ischemia."
Idun's teared eyes widened, "No! Save her! Do something!"
The older Adamana fell to the floor after being knocked out. All the medics surrounded their patient.
"This is an odd case..."
"How could it have begun?"
The elite medic took her pulse, "Easy. Tachycardia."
"Tachy whaddy da?" A new medic asked.
"It's the abnormal rapid beating of the heart. The poor thing was probably in a state of shock."
All of the nins looked at her, then at each other and nodded.
"Let's get to work."

Back on the field, Kenta took a breath. This Ryuu girl looked extremely tough, and he wasn't feeling too up to par lately. The other kunoichi stared at him as if trying to establish his weak points.
"If you're both ready, then you may begin."
Kenta unsheathed his sword. He ran forward, easily slicing his opponent across the stomach. However, the kunoichi didn't flinch. She laughed, almost doubled over, tears streaming down her face.
"What are you laughing at?!" Kenta raged.
Ryuu straightened up again and regained her calm stoic self, "Oh, nothing. I'm sorry I have to do this to you though."
In a flash, there were multiple wounds all over his body. His eyes drooped.
'She must be an Eien... Hidoiken... why didn't I see that coming?'
~Kenta-kun... now is when you need power...~
Crimson eyes whipped open as black marks consumed his flesh. A burning sensation shot through his body, but it felt good to him. It reminded him of Xena and how she didn't give up.
'I'm not going to give up either!'
Before anything could be done, he was being restrained by almost all the jounin in the area. People were eyeing him warily, as if he would lash out at them at any given second.
"Kenta, calm down." Masaru was holding him by the neck.
The boy's breath came in ragged gasps. His eyes fought against his will, wanted to close instead of remaining open.
"I... must... fight.... back..."
Masaru tightened his hold and Kenta blacked out.

Meanwhile, Ryuu was watching the scene in front of her with awe. She thought he had enough and was about to give up. When his eyes opened, she felt a rush of chakra so strong it almost knocked her off her feet.

Now, Kuro had a hand on her shoulder.
"The Curse Seal of Heaven." She explained.
"Curse seal?" Ryuu questioned, turning to face her teacher.
The bat hanyou furrowed her brow, "I thought it was only a myth... apparently it's not."
"Kuro, after the matches the Hokage wishes to speak with us jounins." Gai announced.
Kuro only nodded while the Green Beast walked away to tell the rest of them.

Zephyr watched in worry as another one of his teammates was carried off. Was he going to end up like that? If he did, what would his ailment be? Would he be blasted to bits, or would he be sliced open? Unknowingly, his hands moved up and down his thighs, a gesture of his state of anxiety.

Xena's astral spirit floated over the arena, her face furrowed in concern for Kenta. The red haired boy was now being lifted gently onto a stretcher. The hawk demon next to her shifted.
'Spirit... why do you show me this?'
'Kenta fought for you. He remembered how you never gave up. Couldn't you at least change... for him?'
For a minute, it seemed that her shape wavered and the demon lay a wing over her.
'Child, are you okay?'
She merely nodded at him before her shape wavered again.
'Your body is returning. I will stay here and watch.'
'Shichiro.... are you sure?'
'Yes, I am sure. Now get ready for your trip back.'
She felt a tugging on her arm and turned to notice it had disappeared.

Xena's eyes snapped open just to be blinded by bright lights. Something warm was on her head and she blinked the sleep out of her eyes.
"Enh... huh?"
A pair of burgandy eyes were peering down at her. Idun cried out in relief and hugged her sister close. When Xena tried to hug her back, something hard stopped her. A shooting pain went through her body and she winced against her sister's shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Idun sat on her heels and stared into her sister's eyes.
"Urgh..."
The younger Adamana raised a hand to her head and closed her eyes.
'Was that vision real?'
~You know, that all happened three days ago.~
'Zephyr!'
"What about-" She coughed and a few drops of blood landed on the pillow, "Zephyr?!"
At that moment, there was the closing of a door and Masaru stood in the doorway.
"Seems as though you're up, eh kiddo?"
"Masaru!" Idun flew over and put her arms around his neck.
"I know you were worried, Idun, but she's up now."
Idun let go while a blush coated her cheeks.
Xena had ignored this whole scene and set to inspecting herself. Bandages were wrapped up her body which reminded her of a mummy. There were 4 chairs, two on each side of the bed. A vase was on the nightstand with a bouquet and a single red rose in it.
'A red rose? Who could've left that?'
Idun must've finally noticed the rose. She bounded over to it and gently removed it from the table.
"Wonder who this is from."
Masaru snorted, "Check the tag, Idun."
"There is none, oobakamono."
Masaru's eyebrows knitted themselves together and he examined the rose. It was a deep burgandy, the leaves healthy. It wasn't there long. Someone must've been there before Idun woke up. His eyes scanned over the area looking for a chakra signature. A faint one showed footsteps leading from the door to the table, and back out again. The silver haired man sighed.
"What is it, Masaru?" Idun asked worriedly.
"I have no clue who's chakra signature it is. Xena, if you can use your kekkei genkai, see if you can focus enough to see it."
But there was no answer as Xena had left the room.
"Idun! Find her!"

She hated to sit still. It was always listening to older shinobi talk about stuff that she never cared about. Why didn't anything interesting happen in the hospital?
'Probably because it's too sterilized and everyone's stoned off their rocker...'
Doing the best she could to actually "walk" down the corridor. No one she knew.... yet. Just as she turned the corner, she collided with someone.
'Dammit Xena, stop crashing into everyone!'
"S-Sorry..."
"Xena?"
She raised her eyes to see Kiba sprawled out beneath her. His crutch had flown quite a distance.
"I'm so sorry, Kiba!"
Struggling to get up, she felt someone pull her back down. She shifted her gaze and saw Kiba grabbing her arm.
"Kiba? What's-"
She couldn't finish because the dog user had claimed her lips with his own. Xena felt something welling up in her chest, a sort of unplaced happiness that should've been there before but wasn't.
~Ah, teen love.~ Shichiro cooed.
"Xena... that was your name. I remember you." Kiba stared into her eyes.
The moment was getting uncomfortable for the Adamana, so she made her move.
"I have to go, Kiba."
"Aren't you wondering about who left that rose in your room?"
"Well yeah- wait... THAT WAS YOU?"
A smirk formed over his face and he nodded. Xena felt weak in the knees and collapsed right in front of him.
"You know, it isn't good for you to be walking around in your state."
She didn't answer. Instead, she stood up and turned her back to him. Kiba was starting to worry, had he frightened her?
"Listen, if you don't-"
But she had turned around and grabbed him in a hug. He smiled against the top of her head. Just as they broke away, Idun came around the corner, tapping her foot. Xena smiled sheepishly, gave Kiba one last hug, and ran after her.

Kiba was still smiling even after she was long gone. He had retrieved his crutch by now and was just hobbling down the hallway. He was never one to sit still for extended periods of time. Without Akamaru, everything was boring. His poor pooch had been injured by Lee... not that he held anything against the taijutsu master. He'd just have to give him a piece of his mind - later.
Why was he complaining? At least he didn't end up like Hinata... that poor girl's probably close to death by now because of Neji.
Neji.
That bastard had hurt his teammate... he wished he was in the final exam to teach him a lesson, but sadly, he wasn't.
He was still proud of Lee for making it though, just the look on his face when he won would've made anyone proud. Especially Gai.
Kiba smirked. Maybe he would go see his favorite kunoichi in a little while.

The younger Adamana listened to a speech about leaving without permission because they were worried. She couldn't care less, she could take care of herself.
"Okay, Mom." She sighed.
Idun grabbed her by the wrist, "NEVER INSULT OUR MOTHER!"
"So me calling you Mom was an insult? You're so cruel to yourself, Idun."
Her sister seethed with anger before she growled, "I hate you."
"No you don't, you're just in a temporary state of hatred for me."
Idun ignored her and walked ahead. Why was she always getting so upset whenever their parents came up? That was when something hit her. In all the excitement, she had forgotten to ask how the matches went!
"Idun! Wait up!"
"What now, tonchiki?"
"Hey!" She stopped and crossed her arms, "I was going to ask how the rest of the matches went."
Idun's gaze shifted towards the ground, which usually meant there wasn't good news to follow.
"Idun?"
"Kenta's curse seal became active during his fight with Ryuu..."
"Ryuu?!" That girl she had met before the second exam. Did she hurt Kenta?
"It wasn't her fault. It was Kenta's. He's in intensive care right now, along with Sasuke."
"I don't care about Sasuke! What else?"
"Zephyr won, but got his butt kicked pretty badly beforehand. Oh, and Hinata might be dead because of Neji."
"WHAT?!?!?!"
Before Idun could say anything, Xena had taken off down the hallway, bandages unwrapping from around her slender frame.

~Xena POV~
I didn't care about anything but killing Neji for what he had done to Hinata. How could I have loved someone like that? Coldhearted bastard...
It wasn't fair that I got away with minor wounds, while someone so timid and shy like Hinata is on the verge if death.
"Neji you asshole, I'm coming for you..."
Countless buildings passed under my sandled feet, my body being freed from the bandages that had constricted me for so long. It was a bittersweet parting for sure. Finally, the Hyuuga compound was in sight and I felt my eyes narrow dangerously. Oh no... this crystal better not act up. If it does, Neji would probably wet himself in fear. Heh, Neji... wetting himself... ha ha ha.

~Regular POV~
She furiously banged on the door, practically knocking it down before one of the members opened it.
"Xena? Are you here for Ne-"
"WHERE IS HE?!"
"He's in the back-"
Xena didn't even let the woman finish before she had sprinted around the back. She turned the corner to find Neji, his arms crossed his face creased with anger.
"Why are you looking for me?" He asked, his deep voice penetrating her soul.
But that didn't stop her from delivering a hard blow to his face. His pale eyes widened at the fact that his own friend had just attacked him. What was going on?
"What's going on?" He demanded.
"You think killing Hinata is okay?!" She raged.
"I didn't kill her."
"Yes you did! Nurses are talking in hushed tones around her door, Hiashi is there!"
The Hyuuga didn't even flinch, "I don't care whether or not she's been killed. It'll just be less head members."
She couldn't hold her anger anymore. The crystal's power soon engulfed her body, familiar black wings sprouting. Neji backed up, he had seen this once before and it didn't seem like a good thing.
"Don't-!"
Her hair turned a deathly white, her eyes in their bluish-white tinge. The Hyuuga backed up.
"Killing Hinata wasn't right, now you shall pay you ignorant fool!"
A powerful wave of chakra emanated from her and swept him off his feet. A black aura coated her right hand and she advanced on him menacingly.
"Xe-Xena! D-Don't hurt N-Neji-niisan!"
The archangel turned her head and spotted Hinata, her hands in a praying gesture up towards her. Slowly, the crystal's effect wore off and the chakra was drained out of her. She weakly lifted her head tp Neji.
"Neji... Gomen... I just thought..."
Her world had gone black.

Both Neji and Hinata moved and stood over her.
"I might as well take her," Neji bent down, "You head members aren't strong enough to carry her anyway."
Hinata narrowed her eyes, if only slightly. She wasn't going to give in, not anymore.
"No Neji, I'll bring her to my room."

When she woke up, Hinata was sitting next to her, softly humming her own tune. The Hyuuga's pale eyes were content on their target.
"Hinata?"
"Ah! Xe-Xena-chan!"
Hinata didn't even have to say anything before the black haired girl was up and running. If her sister had found out she left the hospital, things could've gotten ugly.

And they did. Idun nearly had a heartattack with all the screaming she did. All of that "You could've gotten yourself killed!" junk being thrown at her. She knew that, but took the risk of leaving anyway. Hello, the younger Adamana did have brains after all.
"Now that that's out of the way, it's time to start your training!"
Xena sighed. She didn't want to train at all, she had been training all her life in Suna. But now she knew better than to piss Idun off, the brown haired girl was tapping her foot impatiently at the doorway.
"Let's go, I have some friends I want you to meet."

They had returned to their old estate, except instead of beautiful gardens, there were weeds and such. Scorch marks stained the walls. Both sisters stared in awe at what their name had been reduced to. People today would probably ask what clan they were from, and when they told them, ask WHAT country that clan was from. Children today didn't know of them... their existence was erased... for good.
Xena noticed tears spilling from her sister's eyes. Idun was the only one could probably remember this place well enough anymore... everyone else that could've is-
That was the past. This was the present. Idun had to learn to control her emotions, Xena just had to learn how to carry on the clan's name.
After the short fit of crying, Idun led her sister around the bend to an empty quarter, where a circle was drawn in the center. Blood littered the floor.
"This was where... our father used to train with us..."
Xena nodded in understanding. How come she couldn't remember any of this? It was like it was wiped from her mind.
~Your sister locked the memories away, and set me here to guard them.~
'Shichiro! Please unlock them! I want to remember, I want to!'
Shichiro shook his head ~I can't do that. It would go against your sister's- your family's will.~
She clenched her fists, "Idun... train with me... teach me the secrets of our clan... PLEASE!"
Idun was shocked at the force in her voice, then nodded, "I never really used our shadow techniques, but it seems you have a knack for them. Before you train with me though, I am going to bring you to two seperate people. One to work on genjutsu, another to work on taijutsu and secret techniques."
The jounin took her sister by the hand and teleported.

They reappeared in front of an apartment where multiple jounins were sitting around. Xena noticed Kakashi and Gai.
"Ohayo Kakashi-san, Gai-san. Where is she?" Idun asked.
"In the back, preparing something." Gai motioned toward the back of the room.
As Idun pulled her sister by, she gained a look from one of the new jounins, Kuro. Xena eyed the jounin curiously. Her sister knocked on a door in the back quietly.
"Who is it?" A female voice asked.
"Adamana Id-"
A woman with black hair grabbed her older sister in a hug. Idun then turned around and smiled.
"Xena-chan, this is Kurenai-sama. She will be your sensei for genjutsu."
"Ohayo Kurenai-sensei."
Kurenai took a good look at the student before her. Yes, a girl with pretty good chakra control. She would be a perfect genjutsu user.
"Alright, let's get to training then."

One week later, Xena dragged herself back to Idun with only the willpower she had left in her body. Idun was scared at her state, she had pushed herself too far.
"I told you to take it easy! Why don't you ever listen to me?"
"I want to prove myself to my important people..."
The older girl looked down at her thoughtfully, "And who are they?"
'Kiba... Neji... Temari... Tenten...'
~Tenten?~
'I feel like I have a bond with her.'
~We all know that you have a bond with Kiba.~ Shichiro snickered.
Xena mentally groaned and imagined smacking the hawk across it's face.
"You know who."
"Is Neji in there?"
"Sorta."
Xena continued making her way to her room, her battered arms and legs barely giving her any help. As soon as she reached her room, she made her way into the bathroom and started a hot bath. She forced herself to relax after a week's worth of training. The water soaked into her very being, the feeling calming. A sigh escaped her chapped lips, the wind had whipped against them the past few days. Her eye lids were heavy and she closed them, finally feeling at peace.
~Finally, some time to talk one on one with you.~

She was sucked into that familiar void she called her mind.
'What's up, Shichiro?'
'You're pushing yourself too far. I'm barely able to talk to you because of your low chakra.'
'You heard my promise. I.... I'm going to get to the last round of these exams.'
'Just don't kill yourself.'
'Cross my heart and hope to die, stab a needle in my eye!'
Shichiro rolled his eyes as his form began to fade.
'You better wake up soon or you'll pass out in the bath.'
Xena blushed at the look on his face, 'PERVERT!'

She abruptly woke up, banging her head on the soap dish above her.
"Ow!!!!!!!"
A drop of blood fell into her hand.
'Fantastic... another cut to add to the collection.'
It soon mixed with the water she abandoned seconds later. She slipped into her room and threw on a pair of black capri pants with a red spaghetti strap top.
"Idun, I'm going out!"
"Oka- Wait!"
But she didn't even bother to listen to her sister's shouts at her as she flew over the rooftops.

Once again sitting on the Hokage monuments, she sighed. She really didn't like the look on Idun's face when she said they would be travelling for a while. Were they going to abort the mission, then run from Orochimaru like they were from Akakios?

She slammed a fist into the ground. She was tired of running. Of being scared.
'I'm going to train until I bleed!' She shouted in her mind.
To her surprise, there was quite the indent where her hand had hit the ground. Unconciously, her hand raised to her face and she examined it. The faint black aura disappeared.
"What was that?"
"Our clan power."
Xena whipped out a kunai and disappeared. Idun didn't know where she was going, so how could she have tracked her down this easily? She rose out of the ground and slashed the person's cheek. Their henge wore off and in the flesh was Kenta.
"Kenta!"
Xena hugged her teammate fiercely. Kenta coughed a bit then managed a smile.
"I thought you would be here."
"Heh... you know me too well."
"So how did your treatment go?"
Xena sighed and looked at the moon, "I don't know. But I met a demon residing in my mind."
Kenta raised and eyebrow and slid next to her. Neither noticed that Kenta's hand was over hers.
"Demon?"
"Not really. Just a... figment of my imagination...?"
~You wish.~ Shichiro scowled.
She finally turned to get a good look at him. Kenta had bandages wrapped up his body, stopping right below his neck.
"Man... that mark really killed you!"
"Nah, because of my elven blood it faded away."
Both were silent, the warm night air rustling their hair. Kenta noticed that Xena was a different person... she wasn't all dark anymore. Maybe her techniques were, but she wasn't anymore. He liked her better that way.
Kenta got up and wrapped his arms around her neck. He felt a feather-light touch run up his arms and down to his hands, where her fingers intertwined.
"Kenta... I'm confused..."
"About what?"
"How could you still like me after how cruel I've been?"
Kenta hugged her close, "Because I knew that underneath your hard exterior that you were a beautiful person on the inside."
Xena laughed lightly, "How come everyone can see right through me?"
"Because you don't seem like the person to be cold to people."
He felt her smile against his chest and he smiled back at her. Grey eyes showed a new determination, a passion he had never seen in them before.
"Kenta..."
She leaned up and kissed him. Clear out kissed him. Finally, his dream came true. She returned his feelings.
"Thank you..."
The Adamana grabbed her teammate by the wrist and began dragging him to their residence.

The next day she was awakened early by her sister's shrieks of horror. Running into the kitchen, she noticed a mouse on the floor with Idun on the counter. Xena let out a sigh.
"Are you kidding me?!" She raged, gently picking up the creature, "It's just a mouse!"
Idun's heart slowed as Xena released it into the garden. She groaned.
"Idun? What's wrong?"
"My head is killing me..."
"Should I get a-"
"No. But I do need you to find this person."
Idun handed her sister a paper with a name scribbled on it.
"Who-"
"She'll know."
Xena grabbed her bags. Just as she was about to leave,
"You might want to bring someone with you."

Instead of doing her tasks, she visited Ichiraku and lounged for a bit. While on her third bowl of ramen, she heard footsteps enter the shop.
"Heeeeeey, 'Ruto!" She grinned.
Naruto grinned back, "Hiya Xena! Actually, I was looking for you!"
"Me?"
"Yeah, I have someone I want you to meet."
"Well... okay."

Naruto began dragging her down the alleyways of Konoha. The flustered girl followed him, repeatedly asking the same question.
"Where are you taking me?"
"You'll see!" The kitsune laughed.
They finally reached their destination, a shop on the other side of town.
"Oi, Ero-sennin!"
A tall man with long white hair turned and began drooling at the sight of Xena.
"I found you a girl to write about!"
Xena looked between the two curiously. The man in front of her looked familiar... she had seen him somewhere.
~Is that-?~
'Who is that, Shichiro?'
~Jiraiya-sama, of the Legendary Sennin.~
"Jiraiya-sama." Xena said sullenly.
"Why Naruto!" He pivoted so that he was standing behind Xena, "I like her. A lot!"
Xena cracked her knuckles and socked the old man right in the face, "BACK OFF PERVERT!"
Jiraiya stumbled back a few steps, startled from the power in her blow.
'Looks like another one...'
He stood up and chuckled softly, "I'm sorry. It's just that Konoha usually doesn't have girls as beautiful as you."
Xena snorted in return, "For your information, I'm from Suna."
The older man's brow furrowed. His huge body went over to Naruto, whispered something in the genin's ear, and off he sent the blonde.
"Xena." He said sternly, "I know who you are."
"Wh-what are you talking about?!"
"You're an Adamana. Your father was on the team I taught. When your sister and you were born, he told me. I never met you though, now I can finally say I have!"
The younger Adamana's eyes widened slightly, then she turned around and crossed her arms.
"Sorry, but I have no clue what you're talking about."
The frog hermit sighed, "Listen."

After the huge explanation from Jiraiya and much apologizing from the younger generation, both ninja were on good terms. It was then when Xena told the older man about her mission.
"Trying to find her, eh?" Jiraiya seemed amused.
Needless to say, this aggravated our little kunoichi, "Yes! That's what I've been saying!"
Jiraiya laughed, "You'll never find her. She's been missing since the last big war."
"WHAT?"
"I'm sorry, but there's almost no chance of you finding her."
Xena felt her face fall and Jiraiya almost felt sorry for her. Almost. But hey, she had promised that she would model for him... when she had time. And now wasn't the time to think of that.
"I'll find her..." She whispered.
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow as Naruto came bounding over.
"Hi guys!" He yelled.
Both were silent. The hyperactive blonde looked between them and huffed.
"Why are you guys so gloomy?"
The Adamana grabbed her bags and pushed him aside, striding between him with the air that something was wrong.
"Geez Ero-Sennin, I actually make friends and you have to ruin it!"

Xena didn't care. Not anymore. She would somehow learn those techniques on her own. Forget Idun. Forget this mystery woman she was supposed to meet.
Waves rippled whenever a rock was forcefully thrown in the water. The sun beamed down on her neck, the cool water reflecting it's light. Trees swayed in the soft wind that would blow whenever it pleased. The only other sound was water gently lapping against it's shore.
And Xena's breath.
But it sounded like more than one.
It sounded like her breath echoed over a thousand years, taunting her and replaying in her mind.
And it took her long enough to find out that someone else was there.
Swiftly on her feet, she whipped out a kunai and a bunch of shuriken, ready to defend herself against any invader or... animal.
"Easy there, it's only me."
Ryuu made her way through the bushes, pushing multiple branches out of the way. Xena pocketed her weapons and slid down into the grass once more. Such peace only lasted so long she supposed.
The girl moved next to her and sat down. Xena's face was creased with worry and dispair.
"What's going on? Neji told me he saw you moping around."
"Why does he care?"
"Xena, you're the only one he actually cares for... well, other than Tenten but he won't admit that."
A laugh elicited from the kunoichi next to her. Her usual grin spread across her face.
"I guess you're right... well, Neji and I are really close, you know?"
"Yeah, you guys were like best friends when you were little."
"Mmm..."
She was very quiet, as if lost in her thoughts when Ryuu finally spoke again.
"You should tell him."
Her eyes widened, "No.... I couldn't do that... I can't lose him...."
"You won't. Xena," Ryuu stared her in the eye, "You're a strong young woman. You could probably beat his ass if you had to." She laughed here, "But tell him. I heard from your sister you were going to be leaving soon. Tell him so that he can think it over."
"But... Ryuu...."
Her hands moved and grabbed her shoulders, "You love Neji. I know you'll never return feelings for anyone else, so just-"
Xena nodded in understanding, "Ryuu, I might. Someday in the future, my outlook on people may change and everything will go haywire."
The cinnamon haired girl had removed her hands and the two were silent. No one moved until Xena stood up.
"What are you doing?" Ryuu asked.
"Someone else is here... I knew it.... there was more chakra, more than yours...."

~Last time...
"Someone else is here... I knew it... there was more chakra, more than yours...~

Before anything was done or said, Xena shadow had creeped up her arm.
"Hyah!"
She threw her arm in front of her and a giant shadow hand reached into the bush and pulled out a struggling Hyuuga.
"Hinata!"
Xena immediately dropped her and ran over. Bruises were up and down her arms. The Adamana began to heal her, all the while apologizing.
"Hinata... I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have-"
"It's okay, Xena-chan." She was sitting up now, a small smile on her face, "I was actually here to ask you a favor."
"A... favor?"
"Would you train with me?"

Hinata had brought her back to the Hyuuga mansion, into the courtyard. No one was present, according to Hinata's Byakugan and Xena's chakra senses.
"Okay, Hinata. Ikuzo!"
Hinata's palms thrust forward, as Xena dodged every move. She had learned firsthand with Neji that getting hit by Jyuuken wasn't fun.
The Adamana backflipped out of the way and made her seals.
"Kage, kageboushi no jutsu!"
Clones sprang up from her shadow and advanced on Hinata. The Hyuuga's hands were shaking, but she didn't back down. Jyuuken hits were seen going through all the clones, until the real Xena appeared behind her.
"Katon, Ryuuka no jutsu!"
A long stream of fire erupted from her mouth, and Hinata dodged the flames easily. As soon as the Adamana landed, she was hit square in the chest with Jyuuken. Blood trickled from her mouth, but she wiped it away and smirked.
"Very good, Hinata-chan..." She coughed and more blood speckled the ground.
"I don't want to hurt you..."
Xena straightened up, "If you wish to train with me, then please come at me seriously."
Hinata ran again, Xena smacking her hands away as they were about to hit her body. Fire swirled up her legs and she began her counterattack.
This time, she had Hinata blocking and dodging. The Hyuuga heiress then resorted to going on the offensive again. Xena was stuck dodging and decided to use the jutsu she had been working on.
"Naraku subeta!" (Hell pyre)
A fire ball formed in her hand and began crawling up her arm. Her face was illuminated by the orange glow and a small smirk was plastered on her face.
"Hinata-chan, tell me if this hurts you!"
And she shot forward with lightning speed.
Hinata's Byakugan couldn't keep up with it and she was stuck defending against anything that came her way. Just then, Xena appeared in front of her and jabbed the fire-coated hand into her stomach. Hinata sputtered and choked, then flew back because of the power. A scorch mark was on her jacket, revealing the pale skin underneath. Xena gasped and ran forward seeing Hinata's eyes slowly close.
"Hinata!"
"Xena-chan.....?"
"I'll help you!"
~Do you want to know a healing technique?~
'Anything to help her!'
~Use these handseals.~
Seals flew through her mind and she did the best she could to execute them. A lavendar aura coated her hands and she gently pressed them against the wound. Before her eyes, the skin was repairing itself, leaving only a scar when the jutsu was finished. Hinata's eyes slowly fluttered open and she sat up, dazed and confused.
"Are you okay, Hinata?!" Xena was worried half to death.
"Y-yes..."
"Hinata!" A stern voice called around the corner.
"Xena-chan... it would be wise to cover your ears..." Hinata admitted quietly.
Hyuuga Hiashi rounded the corner, eyes narrowed in such a way anyone would have commited suicide should they have seen them. Hanabi followed him, having to run to keep up with his large strides.
"Hinata, who is your friend?"
"Ad-Adamana X-Xena..."
Hiashi's eyes had widened slightly and he advanced on her. Xena was sitting next to Hinata, her hand still covered in the purple healing aura.
"Adamana, eh? Are you the real deal?"
"Real... deal?"
"Didn't you all die? Show me your powers, child!"
The Hyuuga leader had appeared behind her. Just as his palm thrust forward, she sank through a shadow. Hiashi looked around for a minute, then noticed pale hands gripping his ankles, dragging him into the darkness.
Suddenly, her mind went blank and everything seemed white. Had she lost conscienceness?
His pale eyes opened to see nothing but darkness, and a floating feeling overcame him. His hands begged for something to grab onto, and suddenly he felt something. The shadows turned, and there was the face of Hizashi Hyuuga.
"Hi-Hizashi!" The head yelled in surprise.
"Why Hiashi? Why do you lie to Neji?"
"I, I d-don't know what you're talking about!"

Her eyes had opened only to find Hiashi a good few feet away from her.
"What was that?!" It wasn't a question. It was a demand.
"I-I don't know..."
He moved so that he was right in front of her, then stared her in the eye.
For a minute, they changed and he jumped in surprise.
"Hiashi-sama?! What's wrong with me?!"
Xena had fallen to her knees, her face in the dirt before her. It wasn't like the Adamana to easily give in, but (1) this was Hiashi Hyuuga and (2) she was alone and scared.
Hinata had put a hand on her friend's shoulder, helping her up in the process. Two weeks before the exams, and she was a mental wreck.
"Hiashi-sama... can we check our library?"
"Why do you need to do that?" He asked disgustedly.
"To check on her condition..."
He waved his hand as if to dismiss the subject and Hinata slumped down next to her friend. In the middle of no where, Idun appeared, her hands on her hips.
"Hiashi-sama." She bowed, "Xena!"
The younger girl didn't move. Hinata picked her head up to see her face flushed and her eyes closed.
"Idun-sama... I don't think she'll answer..."
The older Adamana kneeled down and picked her sister up. Xena hung limp in her hands, like she was dead. Idun feared for the worst.
"Hiashi-sama... if it wouldn't be too much, would you allow us to-"
"Stay here?" He finished, eyeing the two, "I don't see why not. Just don't touch anything."

A few minutes later, Idun was looking over her sister, concern reflecting even through her contacts. A soft knock came on the door and she allowed the person in.
Hinata and Neji both came in, Hinata with flowers, Neji just... there.
"Hinata-chan, Neji-san, please, sit down."
Idun gestured towards the chairs and the both of them sat. Awkward silence followed, everyone was holding their breath, waiting for her to stir.
The next one to come in was a slave branch member whom they learned was named Nami. She was a quiet girl with dark red hair, very unlikely in the Hyuuga clan.
"Hiashi-sama sent me here to check on her, I was trained by the legendary Sannin, Tsunade, as a medical-"
"YOU WERE TRAINED BY TSUNADE?" Idun was up on her feet in an instant.
"Y-yes! Why, Signora?" The girl slapped a hand over her mouth, "Pregare mi scusi, I mean! Gomen!"
Idun raised an eyebrow, "What language are you speaking?"
"Il Nami, y quello tuo famoso? Sono Xena. Come tu trovare Tsunade?" (Nami, is that your name? I am Xena. How did you find Tsunade?)
"Io abituato a treno sotto suo. Perch, y lei cose importante verso tu?" (I used to train under her. Why is she so important to you?)
All of the people present watched as the two conversed with each other in this foreign language.
"Lo ha stato un molto tempa da allora qualcuno ha raggio mio lingua. Come tu imparare lo?" (It has been a long time since someone has spoken my language... how did you learn it?)
"Non importa quello! Fare tu succedere verso sapere dove Tsunade Ÿ presente?" (Never mind that! Do you happen to know where Tsunade is now?)
"Ho sentire parola di suo vicino a dove. solo Sono non sicuro se è veramente." (I have heard word of her whereabouts... but I am not sure if it is true.)

It took a good three days, but they finally found the place called Lunaryu's Cavern, or some underground lake where a light spirit was supposed to reside.
Idun set her stuff down and headed in, Xena trailing her. Darkness swept over them, but neither minded. It was dead silent, except for the occasional drip of water. Suddenly, there was a shriek.
"SHIZUNE!"
A black haired woman ran across in front of them, as if in pursuit. Idun nodded and together the sisters followed her.

They all went through sloping caves, slippery rocks, and dangerous stalactites. Finally, they reached the lake, where a blonde woman was sitting on the ground, staring in awe at the stag made of pure light in front of her.
"Come ti chiami?" The spirit demanded. (What is your name?)
"Wh-what?"
"Tsunade-sama!"
Shizune, or whatever her name was, ran next to Tsunade and knelt down. Xena noticed that the stag was speaking in an old dialect.
"Mi chiami Xena. E tu?" (My name is Xena, and you?)
"Lunaryu. Che portare tu qui?" (What brings you here?)
"Mio sorella e io erano sguardo poich, Tsunade. Noi dovere essere andare presente." (My sister and I were looking for Tsunade. We shall be leaving now.)
Shizune got the hint and began helping Tsunade back out of the cave.

Once outside, they finally got a look at the one called Tsunade, the Legendary Sucker. Idun felt tears well up in her eyes when she finally saw her mother's idol.
"Who are you two?" Tsunade asked, eyeing them suspiciously.
"I am Adamana Idun, and this is my sister Adamana Xena." The older girl bowed.
"You two must have been born from Akemi, no?"
"No, we're from her son, Neviros."
Tsunade's eyes widened, "Such a fierce child he was. Did he marry Myra Matsushita?"
"Yes."
The Sannin studied them a bit more before placing a hand on her hip.
"Well? Why did you come all the way out here to get me?"
Xena finally spoke, "I would like you to help me train for the Chuunin exams."

Hinata trained by herself, all the while worrying for her friend. Xena wasn't one to go down easily, but just ATTEMPTING to find her was almost impossible, and if by some chance they did, where Nami said they should go takes a good few days to get to. They only had two weeks... hopefully they would make it back.
At least Hinata hoped so. She wanted to see Sasuke and her best friend fight like true rivals. Whenever she had seen them together, it was always Xena trying to get him to smile. It never worked. Nothing did with Sasuke.
As the Hyuuga heiress pounded on the training dummy, she felt herself getting stronger. Maybe not a lot, but it made her feel good to know that this training was making her feel that way.
In the distance, there were battle cries of Tenten, who was probably sparring with Neji.
A few more minutes and she would be...
"NEJI!"
Hinata's head snapped up and turned to where the shriek came from. The weapon mistress had come running through the brush, a red tint coloring her cheeks.
"What is it?" Hinata's eyes widened in worry.
"Neji..." The girl panted in response, "Collapsed..."
Just as Hinata was about to run and get him, Hiashi's voice floated through the garden. The Hyuuga shot a helpless look at Tenten and trudged towards her house.

Uchiha Sasuke fell to one knee, glaring at his teacher with all his might. The one eyed man shrugged it off and helped him to his feet again.
"Try it again, and concentrate this time."
The Uchiha growled in detest, then began concentrating his chakra. Lightning began crackling in his hand and he flew forward. Hatake Kakashi dodged just in time to miss the blast. He smirked.
"You really think your opponent is going to be easy?"
"Her whole clan died, obviously they aren't strong."
"Are you forgetting your-"
"SHUT UP."
Sharingan Warrior or not, invoking Sasuke's wrath was not smart on his, or anyone's, part.

The three Sand siblings lounged about the hotel, picking up random information about their opponents. Temari was especially interested. She had pretended to be a normal passerby in the lobby of the hotel. People from other countries were speaking of all the skilled shinobi and kunoichi participating.
"Have you heard about that Ryuu girl? She apparenly possesses some forbidden bloodline."
"No! You're thinking of that other girl."
"What about the Uchiha? He's participating."
"Forget him, Sabaku no Gaara is here!"
"Heh, the Hyuuga could wipe the floor with that Uchiha scum."
"Are you kidding me?! The taijutsu master could CREAM him!"
"What about that archer girl?"
"And the deaf boy! He's REALLY STRONG!"
"The vampire will MURDER THEM ALL!"
"No."
Everyone had turned to stare at a man shrouded in shadows.
"You fools have no idea what will happen."
A strange glint shown from his eyes and everyone stared at him. Temari shivered. This man was odd, and she didn't like the way he was looking at her. Or was he looking at everyone like that? She didn't know.
She was too freaked out to think clearly.

A young Dragon stared at herself in the water. Ripples came from the center of the lake, where something must have been stirring. She yawned.
"Guess I should actually do something... not like my opponent is a dumbass..."
Once again, she stood up and stretched, glancing around her enviroment. Nothing had changed, no people were nearby. It was unexpectedly calm.
"Well that's odd..." Ryuu scratched her head, "Usually someone is training around here..."
She shrugged it off and began her own training.

White eyes opened slowly, allowing the light to slowly filter in. It blinded him at first, but his eyes soon adjusted. Groaning slightly, he sat up. Another person was in the room, but their chakra was not strong, nor was there a lot.
"Nami."
A soft gasp, "Y-Yes?"
"Where is my opponent?"
"Y-You know where!"
This boy, known as Hyuuga Neji, sat up on his elbow. He was still weak from where Tenten had hit him - right in the pressure point. That had knocked him out a few good hours... right?
"Nami, how long have I been out?"
"About two days..." The girl responded absentmindedly.
Neji choked on his breath. Two days?! The Chuunin exams where tomorrow for crying out loud! And he still hadn't perfected his jutsu!
"Dear Kami, please help me..."

Bright sunshine beamed down on the backs of only ten out of the twelve contestants. Surprisingly, two were late. Genma readjusted the senbon balancing in his mouth and began speaking.
"The two that are not here, if not here by their matches, will be disqualified."
A gasp shot up from the audience, as Sasuke was the shinobi most people had bet on. In the balcony above, the Kazekage narrowed his eyes. Sasuke better show up, or his bet was as good as lost.

Genma began speaking, half of the contestants not even paying attention. Most were too excited/nervous to do anything anyway. Finally, he held a paper up. The senbon in his mouth danced as he began to speak again.
"Well, we DID tell you who you were going to fight, but since we knew you train specifically against that person, we decided to switch them up."
A familiar blonde sank to the ground, banging his fists on his head. Other ninja exchanged glances, while some remained completely calm.
The proctor laughed at each of their faces, "Don't worry! I'm sure you all trained in multiple techniques."
No one answered, except for one, "You betcha."
All faces turned towards the top of the stadium, where a familiar kunoichi was standing with a hand on her hip. Shadows were flying behind her like tails, a smirk playing across her lips.
"So, we gonna start this party or what?"
The jounin laughed, "Finally! We have a ninja who's here to do something other than cower before their opponent."
Wind lightly rustled her hair and in a puff of smoke, she disappeared.

When she reappeared, a soft clapping rose from the crowd. It was like they never expected a misfit like her to show up.
'Well then, it'll be a nice surprise once they see how strong I've gotten.'
~I'm sure they will. You've gotten very strong, Xena-chan.~
Silence overtook her and she stood straight and tall, admiring the clapping coming from the crowd. A whistle rang out and something told her it was Kiba.
"Ms. Adamana," Genma turned to her, "I'm pretty sure you heard the information I gave before, correct?"
"Yep, yep. I was standing up there the whole time."
Smoke rose from the center of the group and a new list appeared. People pushed and pulled, but only some got there first.
'Sasuke vs. Lee... Gaara vs. Ritsu.... Ryuu vs. Temari.... Shikamaru vs. Naruto... Yumi vs. Shino... and...'
Ice flowed throughout her system.
'Me vs. Neji...'
"Our first match will be Adamana Xena versus Hyuuga Neji! The rest of you may return to the balcony!"

Sandaime shifted uneasily as both ninja stared each other down. He knew of the feelings between the two - he wasn't stupid.
The Kazekage's eye crinkled and a smirk made it's way across his face. Another win for Sand, mark it down.

The two stared at each other uneasily.
'Alright... it's just Neji... you've fought him before, so you should know his weak points...'
A shaky breath was heard. Adamana raised her head.
"Neji, I'm going to say one thing."
"And what's that?"
She smirked, "Don't hold back."
The jyuuken pose was acquired and he sank a little lower. Shadows began swirling around his opponent in a threatening way.
"You may begin."

Neji shot forward, palm outstretched. His opponent didn't even flinch or make an attempt to dodge.
'Well, this'll be an easy fight.'

She watched as the Jyuuken user rocketed toward her. Nothing new, her teacher had always done this. Just as his palm was about to hit her, the wind began to diminish her body. He stopped short in surprise as he watched her get blown away. While he inspected the area for her, she appeared behind him and kicked him forward. Hyuuga Neji landed face first into the dirt, his mouth now full of it as well.
'What the- How did she do that?'
::Byakugan, stupid, Byakugan!::
"Byakugan!"
Veins spread across his face as he searched for the culprit. She was still no where in sight, just like Tenten. Panicked breathing filled his lungs. Hinata had told him about Hiashi falling victim to a technique...
Aha!
"Kokuangyou no jutsu!"
Inky darkness filled his vision, clouding even his Byakugan. Frantic footsteps were heard around him, but he made no move. It was almost like his feet were planted to the ground.
"Scared, Neji?"
"That technique won't work twice!"
He slammed a Jyuuken powered palm into the ground and felt something wince under him. Got her.
Smoke filled the place of her, him finally noticing it was just a clone.
"Kage, utsusu no jutsu!"
A giant hand of shadows wrapped around his body and picked him up. His breath was caught in his throat. How much had her power grown?
"I'm going to make you feel the wrath of the shadows."
The hand began constricting him tightly. His own breath was being pushed out of him.
"Xe-Xe-Xena!" He sputtered.
A laugh was the only response, "I'm not going easy on you, Neji. You've beaten me too many times!"
In an instant, he was dropped on the ground. Again.
"Kage, shisou no jutsu!" (Shadow prison)
An orb of darkness closed around him as the genjutsu faded away. A good few feet away, she stood with a questioning look.
"What's up, Neji? You're not fighting back at all! Do you even want to become a chunin?"
Her only response was a glare from the Hyuuga.
"It is your fate to lose, Adamana!" He growled from his prison.
"Neji." Her voice turned stern, "Still believing in fate, I see... Give up on it. People change. I changed. And it is NOT my fate to lose, that's going to be YOU, NEJI!"
The prison around him turned to fire and he moved to the middle. His opponent smirked.
"Katsu."
And the prison exploded, sending him hurdling through the air. He landed on his back, eyes staring straight into the bright blue sky above him. Just as he was about to sit up, he felt something. A shaking beneath him. Or was it-?
Neji looked up and saw the silhouette of a kunoichi. Her foot connected with the ground, sending a shockwave toward him. The Hyuuga jumped out of the way and landed behind her. A good few Jyuuken hits were sent into her system, sending her spiraling into the ground. For a minute she did not move.
Both ninja were breathing heavily by now and the crowd was on edge.

Hinata gasped as Xena landed in the dirt before Neji. Her cousin smirked over his opponent and began to walk away, when he too, fell to the ground.
"Hey K-Kiba..."
"What is it, Hinata?"
"Who's g-going to w-win?"
Kiba stared down at the arena, "This is a life/death battle, Hinata. Both are pretty serious, and you know how Xena is around Neji."

No one moved. Genma appeared next to Neji and took his pulse. His breathing was ragged, but he was still good for battle.
Next he went to Xena and took her pulse. Her breathing was quick and even, she could still fight.
"Continue."
Xena shakily pushed herself up, still feeling the effects of the Jyuuken throughout her system. Neji, on the other hand, got up quickly.
"Seems like you're nothing without your ninjutsu!" He called and ran forward.
Her eyes narrowed as the Sagiv came on. Jyuuken shot forward and she dodged. A kick came in contact with Neji's stomach, causing him to cough blood. He landed a Jyuuken hit to her leg, causing her to wince once more. Although his hand was still on her leg, the other one swung out of nowhere and hit him aside. Gracefully, she landed on two feet and resumed a fighting stance. He got up again and began thrusting his palms forward. She smacked them away, attempting to kick him. After a while, she felt her fatigue starting to kick in.
~Release it.~
'What?!'
~It will give you more chakra.~
'Shichiro, NO!'
~Fine. I'll stay out of this.~
A moment of weakness had caused her to be slammed into the wall, Neji holding her against it. His breath mingled with hers as he leaned closer.
"We can end this right now, just give up. Destiny is against you."
Anger poured out of her words, "There is no such thing as destiny, Neji! Cut the crap!"
A blue aura shrouded his palm as he removed it from her one arm.
"JYUUKEN!"
His palm slammed into her chest, knocking the wind and some blood out of her. The Adamana's head hung as tiny drops of blood dripped from her mouth. Neji smirked.
"This match is-"
"Katsu!"
The clone blew up, sending Neji flying through the air. With a loud crack, he landed on his back. One eye opened cautiously and he saw Xena in midair, preparing her attack.
Fire began spinning up her arm as the glow illuminated her face. A nice scar was over her left cheek where Neji's nails had dug into it.
"Naraku subeta!"
She rocketed towards him, the fire flowing around her like a living thing. Neji's eyes widened.
'How strong has she gotten?!'
He quickly rolled out of the way and struggled to see through the dust the impact created. A silence fell through the crowd.
"Neji..." Her breathing was getting worse, "You're just a fragile soul caught in fate... please stop this... you're stronger than this...!"
Byakugan narrowed dangerously. His chakra was depleted dangerously from all of the hits of Jyuuken he had missed. A kunai was whipped out and he proceeded with his attack.
Xena had already dipped her senbon in poison, so she took hers out.
Kunai and senbon clashed, a test of strength in order. He pushed against her senbon, attempting to break it in half. Her feet slid across the ground from the pressure.
'Just a little more...'
With a strong shove, she jammed the senbon into his arm. Immediately, a numb feeling went through it and his arm fell limp.
"Crap..."
Another senbon was sent into his knees and other arm. He fell to the ground. The shadows wrapped around her again and she laughed, disappearing through them.
Birds flew overhead. Neji closed his eyes and a small smile formed across his lips.
'I couldn't see the last one again...'
"Naraku subeta!"
Fire slammed into his chest and he felt the flames burn his skin. He kept his eyes closed, but showed his wince. When the attack was over he sat still, letting himself slip out of conscienceness.
Genma appeared next to him and checked his pulse.
"He's only knocked out. The winner, Adamana Xena!"
She was doubled over, trying to catch her breath, then looking at her hand. The flames had diminished by now and a small smirk was on her face as well. Medic nins swarmed onto the field, gently picking up the battered Hyuuga and putting him on a stretcher. A curious girl followed them and began speaking.
"That poison isn't easy to dismiss, y'know." She pointed out.
"We'll take care of it."
"Y'sure? Because Tsunade-senpai said that it was her specialty."
One of the ninjas turned around, "Tsunade-hime? How did you- Never mind. Just come with us to help him."
She tagged along behind them, following until they reached the medical ward was. After much scrambling about to find sheets and medical untensils, they finally had Neji settled in, with the slightest stir from him.
"We're trusting you, Sand nin. If you do ANYTHING to him, we promise you'll go down."
"Don't worry, he's a good friend. I wouldn't let anything happen to him."

I want to take my final opportunity to thank some certain people for all the good times I've had while here.

AkiraHatesYou: I know you're not here anymore, but I want to say thank you for sticking by me this whole time. I've had fun reading your fics as well as replying to your reviews. I think I'll miss you the most.

Koyuki: Where to start? You always picked me up when I was down, I have to say that. I hope you continue growing as a writer.

A Vampire's Butterfly: YOU! I've loved all of your fics and I hope you continue writing them. Like uzamaki_fluff said, you have potential. I wish I could see where you go.

Celebi: You and your little notes helped me continue on. Good luck in the future!

Moi: You and I have grown really close. I wish we could've wrote something together, but sadly, time flies when you're having fun. I hope you begin your stories again - you may have learned new things you want to add.