NessieGG's Fanfiction - [Naruto, NejiTen] "An Everlasting Vow" - Chapter 5

Title: An Everlasting Vow (Chapter 5)
Author: NessieGG
Genre: Romance/Fantasy/AU
Fandom: Naruto
Pairing/Characters: NejiTen, Tsunade, Hiashi, Shizune, Lee, Gai, Hinata, Hanabi, Orochimaru, Anko, Shikamaru, SasuSaku.
Rated: PG

The storm broke an hour after Neji returned to the palace with Tsunade. In the opposite direction of the wreckage of the carriage, deep into the wilderness that was beyond West Fire's far border but was still considered to be within King Hiashi's domain, was a waterfall, raging now from the swell the downpour had given it. Crystalline water rushed from the top of the crags all the way to the river separating East and West Fire, providing the land its excellent vegetation.

Behind the cliff, to one side of the less energetic stream, was an ancient, stone castle – less grand than either Tsunade's or Hiashi's but sturdier. In the moonlight, the old stone shone silver. The flowered vines that climbed its scarred walls and spiraled its turrets loaned the structure a magical air, as though such loveliness could never have come to be on an otherwise ugly thing naturally. On the ground was a series of dirt paths, one bridge arcing over a thin creek that had broken off from the stream and fed a wide, clear lake at the fore of the castle.

Upon that lake was a single, star-white swan. Its lengthy neck formed a graceful V with the arch of its back, the soft feathers gleaming faintly in the night. It seemed a peaceful creature as it floated near the bank, but there were occasional twitches of the head, rapid blinking of the beady black eyes, or the orange beak clicking in unvoiced distressed.

It aimed that beak toward a figure on the wet shore, whose long hair perfectly matched the dark of his boots and cloak which protected him from the damp the swan sat in. On the pale man's face, a smile twisted into existence.

“Why the long look, Princess?” Orochimaru exhaled quickly, the closest he came to a gleeful laugh without actually emitting the sound. “Surely this spell hasn't depressed you so much!”

The swan's eyes grew brighter with moisture or rage, impossible to tell which.

Beside him, the fully grown Anko knelt on the ground. Her filthy hair was pulled a high, disarrayed ponytail, and the plain dress she wore grew more and more muddied as she tossed bits and crumbed of stale bread upon the lake's surface. The poor excuse for food went stubbornly ignored by the bird. She said nothing but her expression was a genuine smile in the presence of her master.

“Now, now, Tenten. Do not think I would be so ungracious toward my former ruler. Any child of Queen Tsunade's is a highly esteemed guest of mine, here in this refuge,” said Orochimaru. He raised a long-fingered hand toward the night sky, gesturing grandly. “See how close the moon's reflection is to you? I have thoughtfully provided a reprieve from your new form! Just wait a moment...”

As he spoke, the white arc of the crescent moon's image on the water fell beneath the swan's feathered tail, and suddenly more light burst into the air, water springing from the lake to form a complete wall around the swan as high as Orochimaru himself. In a handful of second, the water fell back to the surface, and there, appearing as splendid as she had stepping King Hiashi's ballroom the day before, was Tenten.

Her chest heaved in surprise beneath the silk bodice of her dress and the fall of mahogany hair. Eyes wide, she felt at her skirt in apparent disbelief of either one of her transformations, before turning her gaze to the sorcerer on the shore. She knew who he was; her mother had not been so sheltering as to not tell her of Orochimaru, the man who had wanted to overthrow her.

“And it works just like that,” finished Orochimaru, clearly appreciating the sight of her in the moonlit water. “When the moon comes up at night, you will revert to human form.”

Tenten moved toward the bank, closer to Anko than Orochimaru. The way her dress's hem trailed on the water was not unlike the floating of a swan.

“It is required that you be on the lake,” continued Orochimaru, “for the moonlight must touch you from the water. But you're a clever girl. I'm sure you can time it so that you can remained transformed for the full evening.”

Now on a grassy section bank, Tenten ignored her soaked cloth shoes and whirled toward him, eyes alight with the fury that consumed her. “Why do you do this to me?” she demanded, voice close to trembling with feeling.

“Well, it isn't because it pleases me.” He paused, and then Orochimaru amended, “Well, actually, I concede my small bit of amusement. However, my true purpose is not torture, but takeover.” He watched as understanding entered her expression. “Yes. The kingdom of Queen Tsunade is a worthy goal, as you would agree.”

“And you would steal it from her by ransoming me,” guessed Tenten in cold tones. “Is that your plan?”

“Not at all.”

Sure she had been right, Tenten now faltered a little in her speech. “What is, then? You have the power to strip my mother of her reign, haven't you?”

“Ah, you see how the game should work,” noted Orochimaru. “How very tactical of you. But I'm afraid my power is not what it was. Paltry transformations of princesses is a novice feat. What I regained in power has taken eighteen years to come by, and for that I thank your mother.” His smile widened. “Had she not banished me to this remote region with this abandoned fortress of the Hyuuga family as sheltered, I would not boast even that today.”

Anko turned an admiring look to the sorcerer.

Tenten schooled her face into disinterest but felt new concern swamp her. “So your magic is pitiful. How do you intend—”

“As the hostile approach failed years ago,” interrupted her captor, “I have concluded that I would not enjoy fighting to retain a stolen kingdom all my life. Thus, I am resigned to a more traditional plan.” Sweeping his right arm in a semicircle, light burst in the air.

Tenten squeezed her eyes shut in the blinding illumination, and when she opened them, she was in her mother's grand hall. Tables creaked with feasts, chandeliers above dripped sparkle and flame, and the room was packed with spectators – faces she had known since childhood that made her heart heavy with longing. Was she somehow back? She turned and then noticed the heavy dress she wore was in fact a wedding gown, and she styled hair was topped by a glistening tiara. Looking toward Orochimaru, she saw him dressed to the nines himself, the crest of her family hanging from his neck, and a golden crown rested on his pallid brow. Realizing his intention, she choked down the urge to scream and forced anger to the front of her heart.

“It would be just like this,” he murmured. “We could have a legal wedding and would rule in companionship as husband and wife. We could even make a deal with the Hyuuga royal family and expand, reunite the country. King and queen of Fire!”

Sucking in a breath, Tenten raised her arms to the level of her eyes, blocking out the sights. She had noticed the distinct absence of Tsunade. “No!” she shrieked at him. The word acted as the trigger to whisk the visions away, and then it was nightfall in a strange forest again, their garments were restored to those of before, Tenten even felt her hair brush her neck again.

Orochimaru's smile was gone, his nostrils flaring to show his displeasure.

Tenten did not care. She gathered her skirt in her hands and hastened away from him, up the hill to the bridge to cross over the creek.

“Where do you propose to go?” Orochimaru called to her. “Even if you refuse me, you remain here!”

“I won't!” she shouted back, peering through the dark between the trees for a road that was not there.

“There's nothing within miles,” said the sorcerer. “Even game is so scarce that hunters do not seek it in this area.”

“Then I will walk all night!” cried Tenten in defiance. “I will not be your prisoner if I can help it.” She tried to restrain the growing panic of finding no clear way beyond the cliff wall. How had Orochimaru come to the road to kidnap her?

“Do that then. Walk all night. But you will find that with sunrise, no one will recognize you.” When the princess froze at the bridge's highest point, he grinned widely enough to show sharp teeth. “You will turn back into a swan, regardless of where you are.”

Tenten's whole body grew cold. Knees shaking, she could not even support her own weight as the extent of Orochimaru's cruelty settled over her, and she fell to the ground. Tears broke free as she pressed her cheek to the wet rail of the bridge, sobs following shortly.

Orochimaru approached, Anko at his heels, and ignored her suffering. “You will be given plenty of time to think about your position, Princess Tenten. I will returned tomorrow night.” Striding onward, he crossed to the opposite side of the creek and disappeared into his dilapidated castle for the evening.

Her crying did not subside for half and hour. Tenten was not prone to breakdowns, but there was only so much magic, ultimatums, and shock anyone could take before buckling. When she felt her muscles would not give out beneath her, she grasped the rail and pulled herself to her feet, breathing slowly.

When she turned to walk back to the lake, she saw a woman standing on the bank.

She appeared to be about Tenen's age, perhaps a little younger. She wore a plain burgundy dress, and her pink hair was cut to a length above her shoulders. Her bright green eyes looked on kindly as she offered the enchanted woman a weak smile. “So you're the princess,” she murmured softly.

Swallowing to regain a steady voice, Tenten returned, “Who are you?”

“Sakura Haruno. I used to live in your country, Princess Tenten.” She extended her hands, which were occupied with a plate of steaming bread, vegetables, and meat. “Are you hungry?”

Tenten realized for the first time that she had not eaten since before her disastrous meeting with Neji this morning. At the thought of the prince, her heart gave another, jolting lurch. She felt her eyes heat yet again, and spoke to keep from betraying her feelings. “Yes, I am.” Sakura joined her on the bridge and handed her plate, knife, and fork.

“I regret that there is nothing to drink but water from the lake,” she said.

Tenten shook her head as she bit from the bread. “I am not at all thirsty.”

There was silence between them and Tenten emptied the plate and then thanked her, hoping her nerves and unusual fear would not bring the food back up. “What are you doing in this place?”

Sakura afforded her a sad look. “Now is not the time for stories, Princess. I have prepared bedding for you over there.” She pointed to a grove that appeared relatively dry even after the immense storm. “It would be better for you to rest now.”

Tenten did not deny that her emotional state and confusion did not rob her of all energy to remain awake. “Please tell me one thing, Sakura,” she requested as the other woman rose to remove herself from the princess's presence. “Is there a way to break this spell Orochimaru has put on me?”

But Sakura only tightened her grip on the soiled plate and eating utensils. “Tomorrow,” she repeated before she too crossed the bridge, leaving Tenten alone.

Tenten went to the two thin blankets and flat pillow, lying on the hard ground and covering herself. Orochimaru had said there was no game here, so at least she did not have to worry about wild animals approaching her with appetite-driven interest. She fell asleep to the sound of wind through the reeds along the lake, knowing in the back of her mind that she would awaken changed into something she was not.

To Be Continued...