Fading Scars

This was written as a one-on-one RP, so the point of view of the story will change, usually with every paragraph. Scenes will also change abruptly and large periods of time will pass with little notice, though I’ll try to give some warning at the beginning of the chapter.

***Warnings for some graphic material***

Thoughts in Italics

***Thanks for being patient everyone! I’ve really appreciated all the reviews--over 10,000 hits!!! It’s impressive to think so many are reading this fic. ^o^ Hopefully you will enjoy these next chapters as much as the others!***

Please read and enjoy!

Fading Scars
Chapter Thirty-Six:

Neji watched out the carriage windows as they traveled through the capitol. He had been rather surprised that their group had been picked up at the outskirts of the city to be escorted within, but since Chidiwa and Koshaku didn't make a mention of it, Neji and Sasuke followed suit, keeping their peace. Though it shouldn't be much of a surprise, he slowly realized. Koshaku is a prince, even if he's not in line for the throne. It was something he always had to remind himself of.

Right now, Chidiwa was up with the driver, Koshaku sitting across from him, napping--it was a long drive through the capitol city, it seemed. Sasuke was next to him, looking out the opposite window, and Neji couldn't help sneaking a glance now and then. It still came as something of a surprise when he remembered...all they had done only days before.

Sasuke shifted slightly, trying to find a position where one of his legs wouldn't fall asleep. He would have been just as happy to walk. But at least Koshaku was taking advantage of the rest; he'd finally shut up about the city and his people, after spending most of that afternoon trying to tell his two foreign companions far too much history. They were probably going to get more than enough of that from the palace, anyway.

Sasuke glanced at their royal companion, but before returning his attention to the street his eyes landed on Neji. When he caught the other watching him his cheeks darkened a little. "Hey."

Neji smiled a bit in return. He's been a lot easier, the last few days.... "I don't know how he does it," he said quietly, nodding towards their companion. "All this weird movement would make me sick. Though at least he stopped talking."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "And I thought I new more than enough of Konoha's history," he replied in kind. "But at least it means he's a devoted prince." He paused. "What about you? 'Doing all right?"

"I think I'd prefer to be walking, but I'm all right." He faced Sasuke a little better. "What about you? How's your back?" Neji tried to keep his expression serious, but there might have been a bit of teasing in his voice.

Sasuke made a face, half embarrassed and half annoyed. "I'm just fine," he replied, shifting again. Truth be told he was still sore, and the jostling of the cart wasn't helping any. "Though I sure could use a hot bath right about now…."

Neji smiled sympathetically. "I'm sure that, if nothing else, they'll have baths." He settled a little deeper into the carriage cushions. Though, they'll probably put us in separate rooms. That's going to be strange. His eyes shifted back out the window again. "Are you...nervous at all?"

"Nervous? About meeting the king?" Sasuke frowned thoughtfully. "Not really, I guess. I've never met a king before. I don't know what to expect, so there's not much to be scared of."

And you've never really dealt with many authority figures, so I guess you wouldn't be. But Neji kept those thoughts to himself, humming thoughtfully instead. He stretched a little, extending his toes before settling. "Houses are getting nicer," he murmured, almost to himself. "We must be getting closer."

"Yeah?" Sasuke peered out the window. "Do you think the capital of Fire Country is anything like this?" he asked. "Everything here is so grand..." Even he couldn't help but be a little excited. "I wonder...if they have their own elite clans…."

"From the size of these buildings, I'd say so," Neji replied, leaning a little further out to better see them. "I heard that Hyuuga had some of the biggest buildings in the country, being such an old family, but these would give them a fair run." Everything was made out of stone as well--even the ground. "It almost seems like...the whole city was carved right out of the mountain."

"Yeah. It's strange, how different their jutsu are from Fire Country…." His fingers curled. "I bet we'll be able to learn a lot here, even if it isn't a very long stay."

Neji nodded quietly; hopefully, they would, though...he wasn't as excited as he knew his younger partner was. In the end, there wasn't much more he would be able to learn that wasn't just an increase of knowledge, more skills. It wouldn't really change anything. It was something he had thought about the last few days of traveling, especially after all of Sasuke's talk of becoming stronger, of reaching all his goals....

Sasuke glanced back, and frowned when he realized that Neji had gone quiet. "Hey. What is it?"

"Hmm?" Neji pulled his unfocused stare away from the city. "What?"

Sasuke frowned, but he wasn't even sure if it was worth questioning. Neji just got that look on his face sometimes…. "Nothing. Let's just hope they treat us right while we're there, huh?"

"Why wouldn't they?" He looked away again. "We're the partners of one of the Princes. We're some of the best jounin they have, we've found a way to overcome their bloodline skill's one weakness." Or really, I did. "And we were invited. They wouldn't have asked us to come only to be rude or something."

Sasuke lifted an eyebrow. "When you say it like that, it really does sound impressive." Though as far as he was concerned they still had a long way to go, it was encouraging to think that they'd come so far already. He rested his chin on his palm. "I wonder...what happened to Naruto," he said suddenly. "Could he have become this strong by now...?"

Neji's eyes narrowed a little. "Probably. I didn't know him very well, but just to see how much he changed between school and the exams...." He could be beyond both of us, if he kept on that same path. Who knows what's going on back in Konoha…. "You haven't heard from any of them lately?"

"No. But I wasn't really writing to any of them, either." Sasuke's frown deepened. He wouldn't admit it, but he was maybe a little nervous that their friends back home--or if not friends, their peers--might have surpassed them. What if Kakashi had gone back to training Naruto? What if Lee had mastered all of his master's Taijutsu, if Kiba and Shikamaru and even Hinata….

He shook his head. "It doesn't matter," he told himself. "That wasn't the reason we left…."

"Of course not." We came to be free. Neji's fingers curled in his lap. At least he made it. He tilted his head, noticing the wall they were gradually coming towards. "Looks like we're almost there," he said idly.

Sasuke leaned out the window so he could better see, then quickly pulled back to avoid being clipped by a pillar. "Yeah, I guess so." He reached over to give Koshaku a shake. "Wake up, your highness," he said dryly. "You're almost home."

"Eh?" Koshaku sat up, blinking groggily, though when they passed through the gates to the palace he perked up immediately. "About time! Wait until you guys see this place--it's really incredible."

When they were finally allowed out, Neji had to admit that Koshaku had been right--the place was incredible. The palace was tall, the rock polished until it seemed to glow white in the sun. Inside the tall hallways were cool and echoed their footsteps as the group was escorted by some impressively armored guards. They caught Neji's interest immediately, being so different than the ninjas he was used to being around; the pair walking with them were built thick and sturdy, faces covered in bushy blond hair, covered in metal plates.... It seemed like a completely different world.

Once they were inside, Sasuke finally realized why Neji had asked him if he were nervous--the palace was huge, and impressive, and intimidating for someone who had never been in so grand a structure. He gulped, sticking close to Neji's side as they approached the king's chamber. Shit, I hope I don't screw this up somehow….

Just before the doors opened, right when no one was looking at them, Neji caught Sasuke's wrist for a quick squeeze--they were both nervous, and he could feel the emotion bouncing between them. They were finally ushered into the main hall, walking behind Chidiwa and Koshaku, passing by what seemed like dozens of advisors and soldiers and courtiers.... The throne room was unlike anything he had been in before, and the tall ceilings were almost making him dizzy. He could barely concentrate as a page announced the arrival of "Prince Koshaku" and his company.

Sasuke kept his eyes fixed on Koshaku's back as they walked down the long hall. There were tiny whispers all around them, and for a moment the scrutiny felt a little too much like home. As they reached the end he caught a subtle glance from Chidiwa, and obediently lowered himself to one knee beside Neji. I guess this is it.

"So, at last." The King looked over the kneeling group, taking in each one in turn. "It is good to see you again, Son. Your brother sends his regrets that he has to be away, but I'm sure he will hasten to return." His eyes narrowed in what might have been good humor. "Will you introduce your companions?"

"Of course, Father." Koshaku grinned as he indicated the two boys in turn. "This is Hyuuga Neji, and Uchiha Sasuke, my teammates. The ones I've written to you about."

Sasuke bowed his head lower self-consciously. "Your Majesty," he greeted, as Chidiwa had instructed them.

Iwaki nodded as Neji echoed Sasuke's greeting. "I have heard much about the pair of you. You are both welcome in this city." Slowly, he rose to his feet. "Let us retire to my study. I would very much like to hear from both of you, and it would make a more appropriate setting."

Neji slowly rose as the page announced the end of the morning court, licking his lips nervously as they were motioned to follow behind Koshaku once more. Chidiwa sent them encouraging grins before slipping off on his own, leaving the three to follow the King and his pair of guards into a room adjoining the main hall. It was much smaller, covered in thick carpets and sporting a much used desk--it reminded Neji of Tsuchikage's own work room, and helped put him a little more at ease. I've never been around someone like this....

Sasuke stayed close to him as the King settled in an oversized chair, his son taking a seat nearby. After an uncertain moment they were motioned to sit as well, and he did so. Just calm down. Koshaku's told his father all about us--he knows how skilled we are. There's nothing to worry about here.

Neji wondered if his nervousness was showing as much as he felt it was. After all their training, to end up in front of one man and be reduced to children again....

Iwaki chuckled softly at the pair. "Hyuuga. Uchiha. I hear you have been rather busy since defecting to my country." He glanced briefly at his second son. "Though I can not imagine this one made it very easy for you."

"Of course not," Koshaku assured proudly. "I couldn't expect anything less of my two teammates. But they've done pretty well."

Sasuke finally lifted his head. That's right. We were strong in Konoha, and we're still strong now. He gulped. We shouldn't be ashamed of that. "We've learned a lot from your country and its shinobi," he said respectfully. "And we're very grateful that you and your son trusted us enough to have us, your Majesty."

"Well said." Iwaki settled a little better into his chair, looking over the pair--he'd never seen such dark hair before. "I want you two to speak freely here, when you are alone with me. You have proven yourselves well enough to please my brother, Tsuchikage, and you have done well by my son. You are children of this country, now."

Neji straightened a little at that, surprised but...pleased. "Thank you, your Majesty. We will continue to strive to be worthy of this honor."

Koshaku couldn't help but snicker a little. "They were a lot livelier than this back in the village," he assured his father. "You should see them spar sometime, Father. Neji's advanced bloodline is like nothing we've seen in Stone Country, and Sasuke's Chidori is likely to cleave a mountain."

Sasuke blushed a little, uncharacteristically embarrassed by the praise. "We, um, have worked very hard."

"Cleave a mountain?" Iwaki shook his head. "Then it is to our benefit that we have such power working for us." He smiled. "But from I've heard, you've managed to come up with a charm that would aid our own line." His eyes darted between them, landing on Sasuke. "This is something not even our most prominent scholars have been able to accomplish."

Sasuke frowned. Charm? That's right, he means…the speed jutsu, for Koshaku. He licked his lips. "Begging your pardon, Your Majesty, but it was Neji who devised that charm more than I. He's the one that deserves credit for it."

"We worked on it together," Neji added modestly. "But yes, we came up with a jutsu that aids in increasing the speed of the one casting it." He glanced over to Koshaku. "It is something that we've worked out that can be performed both on yourself, or on someone else." Since we weren't sure how many of Koshaku's kin know ninjutsu.

Iwaki nodded along with the explanation, finally turning to his son. "Show me. Briefly."

Koshaku nodded, pushing obediently to his feet. He loosened his clothing slightly to allow for his transformation to his stone body. Once finished, he clasped his hands in the form of several seals to complete the new jutsu.

"See, father?" He took a few steps about, as lightly and easily as if his body had not been changed. "It's fantastic, isn't it? With this, any member of our family will be able to sprint, to jump easily, no matter how thick-skinned."

Iwaki couldn't help a few claps at the demonstration. "Wonderful. Once your brother has returned, we will all need lessons." He turned to the pair of boys. "This is extraordinary work for such young men," he complemented. "And I can assure you, you will be well rewarded for it."

"That is not necessary, your Majesty," Neji quickly answered for them both. "We have received much already from your kingdom, and could ask for no more."

The King tilted his head, a little surprised, though he was only more pleased by the reaction. "And what of you, Uchiha? Will you not ask for a proper reward?"

"I ask only your permission to continue strengthening myself in Stone Country's techniques," Sasuke replied crisply. "In your proud service, my Lord."

Koshaku smirked. That's just like him. He cancelled both jutsu and returned to his father's side. "I do believe, Father," he told him, "that the original reason which brought my two friends to our country was the study of curses and seals. Would it be possible for them to be given access to our royal libraries?"

Iwaki brightened. "Ah yes, I remember my Brother mentioning such a thing. Koshaku, bring me that scroll on the far desk." As his son did so, he turned to the other boys. "When I heard of the pair of you, I had some of my scholars set their apprentices to the task of finding such information. I understand that one of you managed to free yourself, yes?"

Sasuke's eyes followed Koshaku as he fetched the scroll. Scholars…? Could they…really know such jutsu? "Yes, your Majesty. My curse seal was lifted some time ago…." The space on his neck itched faintly with the memory.

"Yes, I remember now." He took the scroll from Koshaku, nodding his thanks. "This is the collected information gathered by some of my scholars. Now, they are only studious young men, and they know little of the application of such jutsu, but perhaps the three of you might. Being so ingenious," he added, smiling. Iwaki held out the scroll.

Feeling almost giddy, Neji carefully accepted the roll of paper. He didn't really dare hope that, maybe, it would be able to help him, but....

Sasuke glanced over, anxious to get the scroll open and see for himself. Maybe…just maybe…. "We're very grateful, your majesty," he said sincerely.

"You are welcome. Koshaku." He set a hand on his son's shoulder. "Show them to the guest suite. I am sure you are all tired from the journey. I will see you again at supper."

Neji stood, offering a deep bow before he turned to follow Koshaku out the door. The scroll felt warm beneath his fingers, and it was all he could to do keep from opening it right there. But if they were being taken to rooms, it could wait. Just a bit longer....

Sasuke stayed close by his side, his eyes so drawn to the scroll that he nearly ran into a few columns on the way. Finally Koshaku had led them to their rooms, and then retired to his own. Sasuke acknowledged and thanked him once more. Then they were on their own.

"Neji…." He closed the door behind them. "What…do you think…?"

He was already moving to a space of carpet before a large fireplace. They had been led into a sitting room with four doors leading off it--three bedrooms, one bath. The main room they were in seemed to be a sitting room, but that was the extent of his examination. Neji dropped onto the thick rug, still holding the scroll nervously. "I don't know," he said quietly. "I almost don't want to think they might have...."

Sasuke followed him, lowering himself slowly to his knees. "Even if there's nothing, we can still use what they know," he assured. "It could mean a fresh start--a way of approaching curses we haven't tried before." He clasped his friend's shoulder. "We'll find a way to make it work."

It's still not a guarantee, but.... Slowly, Neji untied the strings holding the scroll together, unrolling the first few lines. He had gotten rather good a reading the slightly different alphabet of the north, and he had little trouble making out the scratchy handwriting of the scholars. "It's basics," he murmured. "Setting, gestures...."

Sasuke leaned against his shoulder so he could peer over the writing as well. "Keep going," he urged. "There has to be something…."

They continued for some time, eyes darting over the different techniques and uses and spells.... Neji's gaze began to blur eventually, though a few words suddenly banished any fatigue he might have been feeling. "Here," he said breathlessly. "Curses and chakra transfer. Tapping into chakra sources--that sounds like what our clan uses, doesn't it?"

Sasuke tried to lean closer for a better look. "It…sounds like it," he said, licking his lips. "All of Hyuuga's techniques are based in chakra flow, so…."

Neji rubbed the back of his neck--it was getting stiff from being bent over so long. "Hold on. I need a drink." He set the scroll in Sasuke's lap, suddenly...just needing to get away for a moment. He was starting to get hopeful, and he didn't want that emotion to take too much control of him. After all, the chances of them finding something….

Sasuke glanced after him, then devoted himself back to the scroll. Some of the symbol combinations looked familiar…. He read the lines over. "Neji...I think this is close," he murmured, not paying attention to whether or not his friend could hear him. "It could really be close."

Neji was in the bathroom, unable to hear. He splashed some cool water over his face, leaning for a few long moments against the stone basin. It all...seemed so sudden. After all these years, to have a solution possibly just dumped into his lap.... A few moments later he ventured out again, still not sure just what he should have been feeling. "Anything?"

"Huh?" Sasuke had been absorbed in the scroll, and straightened when Neji came out. He shook himself. "This one," he said, pointing out one of the lines. "It looks a little similar to something we tried before, but...different. It reminds me of an Uchiha jutsu for some reason but I'm not sure why."

Neji came closer, sitting next to Sasuke though he didn't attempt to take the scroll back. "That looks more for setting a jutsu, but...." He frowned, leaning a little closer. "This...it's talking about combining chakra from two people. If we could reverse that process--figure out how to filter one person's power from another...."

Sasuke frowned. Something like that would be difficult without the person who'd set the curse around…. It would take a lot of figuring. "It's worth trying," he said, glancing up into Neji's face. "Isn't it? It just... feels closer than we've been before."

"It does," he agreed softly, pulling the scroll open a little more. "Look. They're using symbols for channeling the chakra." He pointed to the pair of circles side by side, then the single on drawn next to them. "Each person had a mark made specific to their own chakra, and in this one they're combined. It would take some work to figure out the two different symbols for me, but...." It's possible. It's a long shot, but this could be it.

Sasuke shifted. Though he was nearly as excited as his partner, he knew better than to experiment with serious chakra when they were both already so exhausted. "We should get some rest," he said quietly, knowing Neji probably wouldn't like the idea. "Sleep on it, and start tomorrow once we're fresh."

Neji nodded vaguely, still looking over the scroll, but.... "You're right. We do need to get ready for dinner." He frowned a little. "I hope they're not expecting us to do much. The King mentioned we were eating with him, but if that means with the whole court...."

"I'm sure Koshaku will cover for us," Sasuke said, glancing between Neji and the scroll. He reached out to take his wrist. "Come on. Let's get a nap in before then."

"All right." Neji finally turned away, taking the scroll and pushing to his feet. He set it carefully on a small table before glancing at the different doorways. A small smirk crossed his face. "They finally give us a place with separate bedrooms," he pointed out.

Sasuke straightened, glancing to the door. "Yeah…." I guess getting caught back at the village is one thing, but getting caught here…. He shrugged. I'd like to stay here, but…. "I guess I'll see you later, then."

Neji was a little surprised; Sasuke had been more affectionate before their trip, but this.... I guess...he's worried about what it might look like? He frowned a little, looking to the other rooms as if to choose. It's not like they'll come in here looking for us. Well, Koshaku might, but he already knows. "All right...." I can't believe you're going to make me think on this alone.

Sasuke shifted when he heard Neji's voice drop. "Unless…." It's not like we're gonna do it now. We're just sleeping…. He licked his lips. "I could stay."

"It's up to you," Neji replied, heading for one of the rooms, pausing at the entry to glance back. "It won't be like they'll barge in without knocking first, you know. We are being treated as guests." I hope. He finally just shook his head. "Come on. I'm not going to get any sleep on my own."

Sasuke smiled a little, and finally followed him into the next room. "I'm just being careful," he said. "You never know what...well, you know." He slipped quickly out of his sandals and flopped onto the bed.

It was a much nicer room than they'd had back in Hidden Stone, the bed much larger and sporting softer looking linens; Neji was all too happy to shed his sandals and the slightly dusty coat before following. "I know. I had to live with this in Hyuuga, don't forget." He flopped onto his back. "I was much more worried there than I am here about what they might say."

"Yeah." Sasuke's eyes narrowed; he didn't like it when Neji talked about the Hyuuga. Sometimes it even made him feel a little guilty, that at least he had gained sympathy for his own losses…. He leaned over, pressing a kiss to Neji's lips.

It's been a while.... Neji couldn't help relaxing a little at the show of affection--as he always did when Sasuke initiated something. He rolled onto his side so they could better face each other, hand moving slowly, idly, along the younger man's ribs. "Thanks."

"It'll work out," Sasuke assured, running his hand over Neji's chest. His voice lowered. "I know...you never gave up on me. In a lot of ways. I'm not letting go of this chance."

"Chance?" He shifted closer, enjoying the touch. "What chance is that?"

"This scroll." Sasuke slid his hands up under Neji's shirt to continue his massage, just how he liked it. "I know I can't really understand what it means to you. But I know how important it is. I want to help."

Neji's eyes shut completely, melting a little at Sasuke's continued attentions. When did he learn to do that, anyway? "I know," he murmured. "I just...don't want to get my hopes up. It might not even work out, you know. This curse is...."

"There's no such thing as a curse that can't be reversed," Sasuke assured him. "Hyuuga has a way. We just have to figure it out."

"He doesn't have a reverse--not that I know of," Neji corrected. "There's no need for one. They don't get rid of their slaves." He shook his head, giving Sasuke's hands a little nudge. "Let's not talk about them. They don't matter anymore in all this."

"Sorry…." Sasuke gave him another kiss as if it would cover his mistake. "You're right--screw them. We'll figure it out on our own."

He smiled a bit. "It's okay." Neji slipped his arms around Sasuke's waist, giving him a little tug. "Let's just rest. Worry about dinner, right?"

"Yeah, okay." Sasuke sighed, curling up closer to Neji. "Whichever of us is awake when we're called, wake the other...?"

"Of course." He knew he wasn't about to sleep, though. Still, he wouldn't mind the chance to rest next to Sasuke for a while, feeling him breathe softly nearby.... Wanting to touch warm skin for himself, he slid his own hands beneath the younger's shirt, rubbing at the back of his ribs briefly.

"Good." Sasuke was already exhausted from their travel, so it didn't take long for him to wriggle up against Neji and fall quickly asleep.

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