Disclaimer: I do not own anything recognizable. The anime, characters, etc. belong to their respective creators/authors. The only thing I own is the story plot/idea. I also do not make any profit from this work. Thank you!

~Jasmine~

Naruto Shippuden The Movie

Pairing: Kagome/Neji

Chapter Warning(s):

Author's Note: All scenes take place during "Naruto Shippuden The Movie," so prepare for some spoilers and events you may not be familiar with, especially if you've never seen it.

KH*NH*KH*NH

~Dream Sequence~

It was dark, sweltering, and hard to breathe. Embers and the florescent glow from the molten lava surrounding her were the only source of illumination in the otherwise dark cavern. It didn't dampen the sheer feeling of desperation squeezing her chest. The low light was just enough for Shion to bear witness to the horrific image of a blonde shinobi getting impaled through the chest by a wicked-looking tentacle.

Eyes wide, she watched as the determined gleam within shining blue orbs dimmed. Shock was setting in, the wound horrendous and numbing with its intensity and severity. And then it turned blank, his handsome face – once so fierce – slackened, and his body turned limp. As he released his final breath, Shion realized her entire body was shaking with the force of her sobs. Anguish clenched her heart so tight her lungs froze within her chest.

This couldn't be real. This couldn't be happening.

"NARUTO!"

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~End of Dream Sequence~

Shion awoke with a start, sweat beaded on her brow. It took several seconds for her breathing to get under control and it took her mind just as long to remember that she was safe and in her own personal quarters.

Once her panic had subsided, she slowly sat up. Subconsciously, one hand grabbed and squeezed the bell she always carried with her; a memento from her late-mother. The little charm always brought her a sense of peace and connection to the woman who gave birth to her.

"Taruho," Shion summoned, knowing the guard was never far from her side.

His smooth, unruffled voice came in the next second. "Yes, Lady Shion." From the other side of the shoji screen, his vague shadow could be seen kneeling and awaiting her orders. Loyal and steadfast, Shion knew she could trust him with any task.

"Send out a messenger immediately," she ordered. The vision she'd had still sent shivers down her spine. She couldn't get the blonde shinobi with bright blue eyes out of her head. He was somehow important, but she couldn't explain why. She just knew that something big was about to happen and she needed to prepare. "We must locate Nee-sama at once. She needs to return to the Land of Ogres to fulfill her destiny."

"Yes, Lady Shion," Taruho replied. "It will be done right away." He stood on silent feet and left to do as instructed.

Once alone, Shion breathed out a tired sigh and closed her eyes. Her heart hurt. She wished she didn't need to drag her older sister into the fight that was sure to breakout soon, but there was no other choice. The prophecy she had foretold was just the first step to unfolding a far more sinister plot. If they even had a hope of succeeding, they would need a lot more fire power than they currently had.

"Kagome-nee-sama," Shion murmured, a tiny spark of hope coloring her voice. Her older sister was the key. Shion just prayed she would arrive in time.

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~A Couple of Days Later~

Neji Hyuuga scouted the area, his Byakugan activated as he scanned his surroundings for any more threats. He and his team had arrived in time to protect the Priestess of Seals from her would-be assassins, and they were currently making arrangements to escort her to the sealing shrine of their mutual enemy.

However, some things weren't adding up for the Hyuuga prodigy. Although Shion seemed gifted, especially when it came to prophecy, he wasn't convinced about her skills with seals. She was considered the most powerful in the region, yet she couldn't sense that there was a literal seal attached to his forehead? How could she not comment about the one that sealed the Nine Tails in Naruto?

Too many questions, not enough answers. And Neji didn't like that. It meant the girl and her guards were keeping secrets – and secrets could get people killed. While their careers put them in life or death situations every day, Neji didn't want to put his team in unnecessary danger. His job as team leader meant he was responsible for them.

His Byakugan picked up a chakra signature less than a mile away, the source unusual enough to capture his attention. Neji narrowed his eyes further, locking onto his target before taking off at a fast pace. He was confident he could handle the lone person on his own. It was more important to have Naruto and the others protecting Shion.

His feet carried him easily over the terrain, the tree branches thick and sturdy, his movements practiced and smooth. It didn't take him long to reach his destination – a secluded area with a beautiful waterfall and crystal-clear pond, where the grass was bright green and nature was abundant and lively.

It was then Neji caught sight of a gorgeous raven haired young woman, completely naked, and bathing seemingly without a care in the world.

What is she–!? The Hyuuga prodigy panicked, cheeks flushing an alarming red, as his feet quickly backpedaled. Thankfully, her back was turned to him but he could still see enough skin – wet, glistening skin – to make him uncomfortable.

The unknown young woman glanced over her shoulder, her expression calm, like she'd known about his presence the entire time. Neji felt his breath stall within his lungs as amethyst clashed with his pearlescent orbs. And when her full, pink lips parted, her first words had him freezing where he stood, his facial features expressing his shock.

"That's a rather nasty seal you have attached to you. Want me to remove it?"

KH*NH*KH*NH

Kagome inwardly smirked in amusement at the dumbfounded look that crossed the handsome shinobi's face at her question. What? Was he surprised she knew about his little secret? She had sensed his seal – and another, far more advanced one – the moment she stepped foot in her homeland, the Land of Ogres. It was her job – or her destiny, as her younger sister liked to preach.

"Well?" she asked, cocking her head to the side curiously. He continued to stare, speechless. "Do you want me to remove it or not?"

Neji finally found his voice, though he swiftly turned his gaze away as a form of privacy for the naked young woman. "How-How do you know about… that?" It was odd. It was extremely odd. His mind raced with the possibilities. "Lady Shion hadn't even mentioned it when we met, and yet…?" Who was this mysterious young woman?

Said young woman scoffed delicately. "Of course Shion wouldn't mention anything about seals. She's the Priestess of Prophecy, not the Priestess of Seals."

What?

"What?" Neji didn't think he could take too many more shocking revelations.

With a smile that was both teasing and semi-mocking, Kagome said, "I'm the Priestess of Seals that you Leaf Village shinobi were sent to guard. Nice to meet you. My name is Kagome."

What?

KH*NH*KH*NH

"Hey, shinobi-san," Kagome suddenly called out, "would you mind helping me dress?"

He stiffened, a feeling of dread and embarrassment nearly swallowing him. He had to force his feet to remain rooted to the ground, the need to shuffle them awkwardly nearly uncontrollable. What was it about this raven haired beauty that unbalanced him? His normal stoicism was lost the moment he'd seen her bathing in the waterfall.

There was just something about her that made her… different. Different from the other females he typically interacted with. While they were attractive in their own ways, Kagome stood out amongst them.

Neji grit his teeth, trying to smother the emotions she evoked. They were unfamiliar and he didn't like how they shook him to his very core. Control. He needed control.

"You're old enough to be able to dress yourself, Lady Kagome," he responded. "If you need assistance, I'll summon one of your people." The thought of a male assistant, however, left a sour taste in his mouth. Seeing Kagome in such a state of vulnerability felt almost sacred. The flash of possessiveness burned in his chest.

I'll make sure a female handmaid is summoned.

"But I asked for you to help me, not one of my people," she argued. "Besides, by the time someone arrives, I'll be cold and I'll likely get sick. You wouldn't want that, would you? You and your team were sent to protect me."

He couldn't fight back with that logic. Getting a handmaid would require leaving Kagome to fend for herself. While she had been fine before he crashed into the area, now that he knew she was the priestess he was meant to protect, leaving would be counterproductive to the mission. His orders were to guard her, and that was exactly what he would do.

Even if it made him so embarrassed and uncomfortable, he gave serious thought to running away.

"Fine," he roughly acquiesced. A quick glance around provided the only piece of clothing he could find: a red floral kimono dotted with little white flowers with a pure white obi. He snatched up the garment and, keeping his eyes focused off to the side, he grumbled, "Hurry up. We should head back to the others." There was a lot his team needed to be caught up on. He also didn't like being out in the open, just the two of them. He needed to regroup and come up with a different strategy.

Water splashed as Kagome exited the pond. Her soft, almost soundless footsteps had the Hyuuga prodigy more on edge as the seconds ticked away. And if his cheeks heated with a crimson blush, it wasn't something he could control. It was a natural reaction considering his situation.

The scent of jasmine was his only warning before the raven haired beauty slipped her arms through the sleeves and pulled the kimono on her petite frame. Neji instantly dropped his hands back to his side. His sharp hearing picked up the sound of rustling fabric as Kagome tied the obi securely around her waist. The polite thing would have been to step back, give the young woman some personal space. But he couldn't. Her natural scent – that of jasmine – had ensnared him. All he wanted to do was breathe it in deep and savor the light floral scent.

Madness. This was sheer madness. Perhaps this is what people felt before going insane. Neji definitely felt like his mind was spiraling.

"Thank you," Kagome said, smiling brightly. She was clearly pleased with getting her way.

Neji snorted, his gaze still focused in the distance. "Are you sure you're a priestess? You don't act like one."

The way she softly laughed reminded him strongly of wind chimes. "I may not be an ordinary priestess, but I am one all the same. I just go after the things that I like – and you, shinobi-san, I happen to like very much."

And the crimson blush was back again, her bold confession embarrassing him and rendering him without any type of comeback.

But he couldn't help but feel secretly flattered and pleased.

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"Get on my back," Neji instructed, crouching in front of Kagome with his back turned in offering. "I'll carry you back to everyone. It'll be faster."

Kagome climbed on without too much trouble. Her slim arms circled his neck and her legs were snug against his sides. The Hyuuga prodigy tried not to think too deeply about how his hands gripped her thighs to further anchor her against him. If he did, he knew his cheeks would burn with another blush. As it was, he was surrounded by the intoxicating scent of jasmine. He had to take shallow breaths to keep his concentration.

"Hold on."

She did.

They traveled in silence for several minutes before Kagome spoke.

"Since I can't keep calling you 'shinobi-san,' why don't you tell me your name?"

He grunted. "Neji. Neji Hyuuga."

"Neji." Although he couldn't see it, he could hear the smile in her voice as she said his name. "You know, Neji, you never answered my earlier question."

He knew she was talking about removing his seal. "There's no point," he responded, a sense of hopelessness and resignation underlying his tone. "If you removed it, it would just be replaced with another one." He would most likely also be severely punished by his Clan Head, though he didn't want to voice that concern out loud.

Over the years, the sense of bitterness and spite he felt for his fellow clan members, particularly those of the main branch, had lessened. His fatalistic views on the world had also shifted, especially after befriending Naruto and being forcefully shown that Neji was in charge of his own destiny. Because of that, his relationship with his younger cousin, Hinata, had become better and he didn't feel as antagonistic towards his uncle or the seal that had been placed upon him. Instead, he had a more understanding view on his life and the decision his father had made years ago.

Kagome thoughtfully hummed. "I could always erect a mental shield that would prevent anyone from replacing the seal," she said.

"Why would you do that for me?" he asked, truly curious. "We've just met. It's not like we're suddenly friends."

She was silent for a moment, obviously debating her next words.

"Shion and I made an arrangement years ago. We agreed that she would remain in our village and pretend to be the Priestess of Seals, so that I could freely travel around the different lands and nations. It was so that I could help people like you." There was a pause and then she started speaking again. "You asked before if I was really a priestess. For us, our duty is our most sacred calling. For me, my sacred calling is to help people with their problems – heal them and make sure they have the opportunity to have a fulfilling life without a seal blocking their way. That's why I wish to help you, Neji – and because I like you, like I said before." The last came out in a cheerful, teasing tone.

Neji absorbed what she told him, trying his best to ignore the way his cheeks heated with his ever-present blush. Seriously, she needs to stop doing that.

"You… really are a priestess," he softly said. "I'll think about your offer." Perhaps being able to live without the clan seal would be like a rebirth. Imagining a life without it was… invigorating. But he would only admit that within his own thoughts.

"That's the spirit! When you decide you want that awful thing gone, let me know right away. I'll get rid of it for you in no time."

He huffed under his breath. She sounded so confident in his inevitable concession. Then again… So far, had he been able to say 'no' to her? His answer came swiftly:

No.

KH*NH*KH*NH

Neji jumped down from his perch, his precious cargo held tightly to his frame to make sure the impact didn't affect her too badly. He landed in front of his team, who had been keeping a close eye on Shion, whom had tried and failed to leave her village on her own. By appearances alone and the way Naruto was screaming with wild hand gestures, the Hyuuga prodigy was able to deduce that Shion had planned on making the journey to the sealing shrine alone. While dangerous, in the end she wouldn't have been able to seal Mouryo, so he couldn't understand what she'd been planning.

Shion's eyes widened when she caught sight of the raven haired beauty. There was no mistaking the spark of joy and relief that shined within her orbs upon seeing the young woman. Kagome's appearance had also captured the attention of Neji's team, and he sighed when he saw the curious stares. No doubt the questions would erupt at any moment and he could already feel the headache forming.

"Nee-sama," Shion happily cried out.

Neji felt Kagome slip down his back, both straightening to greet the group. Even when she walked a few steps away to properly greet her little sister, the scent of jasmine still heavily clung to his senses. He knew it was because the scent had soaked into his clothing from their close proximity. He couldn't stop the way he discreetly breathed in the soothing smell.

"I'm home, Shion," Kagome said, smiling brightly at the younger girl.

As the sisters had their small reunion, Neji found himself suddenly surrounded by the rest of his team. He didn't like the suspicious gleam that had entered Naruto's blue eyes, and he didn't particularly care for the Cheshire cat expression on Sakura's features. What made his eye twitch, however, was the overly bright and smug look that Lee had on his face. The thumbs-up he was also receiving made Neji want to reach out and break the other boy's finger.

Seriously, what was wrong with his teammates? What had the Hokage been thinking when she paired all of them together for a mission? Neji's conclusion:

She was drunk.

Sakura grinned cheekily. "So, Neji," she started, using a sing-song voice. Neji grit his teeth, waiting for the inevitable. "Who's the chick?"

"Yeah, what the heck, Neji?" Naruto rudely cut in, frowning. "You made such a big deal about us sticking together and guarding Shion, but you're over here picking up hot girls!"

Lee voiced his own opinion, adding sparkles to his words and overall dramatic display. "It is the power of youth! You have no idea how proud I am of you, Neji. This is truly a joyous occasion – one we should be celebrating! It's not every day one is able to find and capture their one true love!"

Wait just a minute. Was Lee actually implying that Neji had kidnapped Kagome? Because he thought she was his one true love?

Perhaps he would have to break more than one of Lee's fingers as punishment… It was just rude to think that Lee assumed Neji didn't have any type of manners, especially when it came to women. Did his teammate honestly think he was such a savage?

Neji took a deep breath, trying to calm his roiling emotions. He had a mission to complete, a priestess to escort, and an enemy to stop from destroying countless villages. He could punish his teammates for their immaturity later. Right now, he needed them to focus.

And he really wanted to avoid blushing in front of them at all cost.

"Her name is Kagome. She is the real Priestess of Seals."

He received the response he'd been expecting:

"WHAT?" three different voices exclaimed at the same time, their eyes bulging in shock.

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After proper introductions were made and Kagome's identity had been clarified, it was decided that the group would travel to the sealing shrine. Shion would make the trip with them since her location was no longer safe and Mouryo was convinced she was the priestess he needed to destroy. Kagome didn't want her little sister in danger, so the best way to keep an eye on her was to bring her along.

And Neji couldn't say no.

"Alright. Here is what we'll do," Neji said, eying his team steadily as he gave out orders. "Sakura, you'll be carrying Lady Shion. Your main job will be guarding her. I'll take point and—"

"And I'm riding with you," Kagome interrupted. When he glared at her, her response was to smile sweetly. "What is it, Neji?" The way her head cocked to the side spoke of pure innocence.

He didn't buy it for a second. The little minx knew exactly what she was doing.

"Lady Kagome, Lee will be the one carrying you throughout the journey," he patiently said. Naruto would've been the better option, but the knucklehead was too impulsive. Although the blonde was capable of pulling off the impossible under seemingly dire odds, there was no way Neji could entrust him to stay on-point with Kagome's safety. The guy loved to jump into action way too quickly.

"I'm sure Lee would do a great job, but I want to stick with you," she argued. "Are you trying to say that you can't carry me and protect me at the same time?" Now her eyes gleamed with too much innocence.

Feeling the eyes of the others on his person, each carefully watching how he would react, the Hyuuga prodigy stiffened. Damn her. She always backed him into a corner – and he practically let her! He needed to learn how to erect a barrier around himself whenever she was near. Somehow, she knew exactly how to shatter his defenses.

"I can, and I will," he said only a tad defensive. His pearlescent eyes narrowed warningly. "But that also means you have to listen to me. If I give an order, you follow it. Are we clear?"

"Of course, Team Leader," she replied, smiling with victory. "Now that travel arrangements have been settled, let's go. We're wasting day light."

Neji sighed. It was just an escort mission, yet it already felt like it was going to be a very long journey. He hoped he had enough mental fortitude.

And when Lee shot him another overly enthusiastic thumbs-up, he really hoped he had enough control not to murder his teammate.

KH*NH*KH*NH

Since the would-be assassins had attacked with mainly fire techniques, Neji had strategized that traveling near a large water source would be the best route for them to take.

What he hadn't considered was how the fresh, clean scent of the rushing water combined with Kagome's unique jasmine scent would affect him. He thought with the moisture in the air it would dampen her scent, but it didn't. If anything, it enhanced it. And now he was nearly drowning in the soothing smell.

So, when they were ambushed by a high-level water technique, Neji cursed out loud and did his best to dodge the attack and keep Kagome secure to his back.

"Hold on tight," he ordered, smoothly maneuvering with his Byakugan activated. "Whatever you do, don't let go, Lady Kagome."

"Wasn't planning to," she said, her grip tightening.

Neji regrouped with the others, their guard up and ready to fight and defend. Shion was shaking and had a death-grip on Sakura, though the pink haired kunoichi didn't complain.

"What the hell, Neji?" Naruto exploded, arms waving wildly. "I thought you said traveling near water would be safe? Those guys had been using fire techniques, weren't they? How the heck are they suddenly using water techniques?"

"Obviously something isn't adding up, Naruto," the Hyuuga prodigy snapped. Subconsciously, his grip on Kagome tightened. He inwardly growled as his mind tried to work out a possible strategy to save all of them. "I saw their chakra pathways just fine with my Byakugan. I don't know how they're doing this, but we don't have time to argue. They're going to be here any second." And they needed a plan. Now.

Kagome gently prodded his shoulder. "Neji, let me down. You can't possibly fight with me on your back like this. Besides, I can help." She had been trained in multiple forms of martial arts since she was young. She had needed it when she set out to travel and perform her priestess duties. There had also been the threat of Mouryo. She had to be prepared in case she ever had to face him and his ilk.

"No," Neji rejected fiercely. "We're going to break into two groups. Lee and Naruto, you two will handle the guys here. Sakura and I will take Lady Shion and Lady Kagome to somewhere safe. We'll regroup at a different location. Got it?"

"Got it," his teammates responded as one.

Without another word, the group broke into two and sped off to do as the plan had been laid out. Lee and Naruto remained near the water while Neji and Sakura escaped into the dense forest that surrounded them.

KH*NH*KH*NH

"Stop, Neji. I mean it," Kagome ordered, her voice strict and earnest.

Neji scowled, though he knew she couldn't see it. "Can't you see I'm a little busy? I can't afford to stop now, Lady Kagome. Your life – and Lady Shion's – is currently in danger. It's my job to keep you two safe."

"We can't keep evading them like this. Just put me down and I can run on my own. You need your hands free to defend yourself."

He shot her a quick, arrogant smirk over his shoulder. "Weren't you the one who implied I couldn't carry you and protect you at the same time?"

"Yeah, well…" It was the first time he'd heard her fluster. He wished he could've seen her face. "Anyway! That's not the point. If you put me down, you can easily track our pursuers and take care of them. Right? That would be smarter than running away all the time. They'll eventually catch up."

She wasn't wrong, but…

Neji grit his teeth. He didn't like it. But what choice did he have? Her logic made sense. If she was able to run on her own, he would be free to track down their enemies and eliminate them without having to worry about protecting her at the same time. Sakura would be able to handle the two priestesses, at least until he returned. Shion didn't appear to be a fighter, but Kagome was a warrior. For a short time, she would be able to defend herself.

Damn it. He didn't want her to be in any type of danger. He didn't want her to have to defend herself against an enemy. He should be by her side.

Damn it. When did his heart become involved?

"Sakura," he called out, knowing he wouldn't be able to turn back now. He had to do this. It was the only option.

Sakura instantly paused, looking over her shoulder to see what had happened.

Neji landed beside her on the thick tree branch. Reluctantly, he released Kagome enough to slide down his back and onto her feet. Even after she was stable, he kept a hold on her wrist to ensure she stayed close to his side.

"You're going to continue forward with the two girls. I'll stay here to track and eliminate the assassins still following us. We'll meet up at the same spot we agreed on with Lee and Naruto. Got it?"

Sakura nodded, brows furrowing with determination. "Got it, Team Leader. I'll keep them safe," she promised. "Be careful."

"You as well," he replied. He turned his gaze onto the raven haired beauty, and his eyes unknowingly softened. "Stay safe," he murmured for her ears alone. "I'll be as quick as possible. Stay with Sakura and your sister."

Kagome nodded, though her eyes reflected her worry. "I have complete confidence in your abilities, Neji, and at least you won't be weighed down by carrying me. But…" The wrist he was holding shifted until her fingertips were able to grip the sleeve of his shirt. "Please be careful."

He smirked. "I will. Now get going." With that, he quickly ran off and left the three girls behind while he went to directly face the assassins. His pearlescent eyes hardened with determination.

KH*NH*KH*NH

Kagome narrowed her eyes, a dangerous gleam shining within the sharp orbs as she observed Sakura fall after being paralyzed by the assassin. Something definitely wasn't right. His aura was… abnormal. An outside force was channeling chakra into his being, giving him large amounts of energy to use at his disposal.

She was positive Mouryo was behind it.

Silently, she summoned a tanto – the short sword gleaming in the light filtered by the trees. Her expression shifted, becoming like live porcelain, as she mentally prepared herself. As a priestess, her main duty was to preserve life.

However, there were times where that wasn't an option. Like now.

The assassin closed in on Shion's prone form, a sadistic grin starting to curve his lips. His entire focus was on the helpless girl, not paying attention to his surroundings. It would prove to be his downfall.

The moment he drew his weapon, Kagome moved to intercept. With a swiftness that was both deadly and graceful, she slashed her tanto at her enemy.

He managed to dodge at the last second, though her blade sliced off a few strands of hair.

"What?" the assassin growled, having thought the raven haired beauty would be useless in battle like the priestess he was about to finish off. "Who are you?"

Kagome stood protectively in front of Shion, eyes hardened. "I suppose I should introduce myself," she mockingly said. "My name is Kagome. I'm the Priestess of Seals." Lifting her tanto, she took a defensive stance. "I'm the one Mouryo is really after. I'm the one who will seal him and his body away."

She watched as the assassin's eyes widened, shocked by the revelation. She inwardly smirked.

Her identity had been revealed, and now Shion wouldn't be targeted. Mouryo and his assassins would know exactly who to come after.

And she would be ready for all of them. It was her destiny after all, and one couldn't escape from their destiny. This was her choice and she would stand by it.

So, when the assassin seemed to regain himself and focus entirely on her, eyes gleaming with bloodlust, Kagome braced herself for the next attack.

KH*NH*KH*NH

Apprehensive, Neji arrived at the meeting spot that had been agreed upon. The moment he realized he'd been misled, his thoughts had instantly shifted to Kagome and getting back to her as fast as he could. Every second that he spent away from her side was a second of pain that burned within his chest. He couldn't fail her.

When his eyes landed on the raven haired beauty, he felt the pressure in his lungs lessen, unsure when the organs had stopped functioning properly. She was kneeling on the grassy ground, her vigilant gaze on a recovering Sakura and unconscious Shion. Taruho also sat nearby, attentive and steadfast. It made Neji curious when the guard had decided to come out of hiding.

Early on, Shion hadn't appreciated being watched so closely and had sent Taruho back to the village with a selfish attitude and harsh words. However, the guard seemed to see through her act – an act to keep him safe from a prophecy she had predicted of his untimely death – and had chosen to follow secretly behind the group. Of course, the Hidden Leaf shinobi had known – and Neji suspected Kagome did as well – but had decided not to say anything. An extra set of eyes were always useful.

"What happened?" Neji asked, crouching next to Kagome to assess her himself. "Were you injured?"

She smiled. "No, I'm fine. Sakura will be okay in a few more minutes, and Shion should awaken soon. She just had a scare." Her gaze roamed over his form, checking for any obvious injuries. "What about you? Are you okay?"

He nodded once. "Nothing I couldn't handle."

"That's good. I knew I wouldn't have to worry about you."

"We'll stay here and wait for Lee and Naruto. They should be catching up to us soon." He took a deep breath, the scent of jasmine flooding his senses. It soothed him enough to have his shoulders relaxing. "Was Sakura able to handle the assassin alone?"

Kagome shook her head, eyes trailing back to the mentioned pink haired female. "She was injected with some sort of paralyzing agent. Shion was their main target, but I was able to intercept before he could do anything."

"You engaged the enemy?" Neji growled, clearly displeased. "That was dangerous, Lady Kagome. You could've been seriously hurt." And he hadn't been anywhere near to protect her. He clenched his back teeth so hard he was amazed they didn't crack.

She huffed with all of the feminine indignation she could muster, though she was inwardly flattered that he worried about her so much. While they hadn't known each other for very long, she had instantly felt a connection with him the moment their eyes had met at the waterfall. That type of spark didn't happen every day, and she was eager to see where it would lead.

And Neji Hyuuga seemed to feel the same way.

"I had the situation under control, Neji. Besides, I wasn't going to let anyone hurt Shion. I had to protect her."

Taruho suddenly spoke up, catching their attention. Kagome was slightly embarrassed to admit that she had forgotten about the guard's presence. Her complete attention had been consumed with Neji and his handsome face and pearlescent eyes.

"Tell him everything, Lady Kagome," Taruho encouraged, his voice smooth and unruffled.

She pouted. "Whose side are you on, Taruho?"

"I'm on the side that will keep you and Lady Shion safe," he answered in the same tone.

Neji narrowed his eyes on Kagome. "What is he talking about?" he demanded.

Kagome sighed, knowing if she didn't speak then Taruho would confess everything. "I revealed my true identity," she said, notching her chin up defensively. Daring him to scold her.

"What?" he seethed. Why would she do something so foolish? She had effectively painted a larger target onto her back. Did she understand just how dangerous Mouryo was?

I have to keep her close. I have to make sure he doesn't get his hands on her.

He gazed into her amethyst eyes and knew only one thing:

I will protect her with my life.

KH*NH*KH*NH

After Naruto and Lee caught up with the small group, it was decided that Neji would continue to the sealing shrine with Kagome alone. The others would remain behind, guarding Shion with Taruho, and watch their backs for the remaining would-be assassins and the stone army.

While the sisters said their farewells, Neji gathered with his team to go over last minute instructions.

"Are you sure about this, Neji?" Sakura worriedly asked. While she was confident her team leader could handle anything on his own, it was still dangerous to travel alone when their enemy wasn't far behind. Mouryo would also be near the shrine since that was where his greatest weakness would be hidden. It would make perfect sense to ambush anyone from that point.

Neji nodded, brows furrowed. "Yes, I'm sure. We're close enough to the shrine that it shouldn't take us much longer to reach it. Lady Kagome needs to get there as soon as possible to seal Mouryo and the encroaching stone army." The Fire Nation wouldn't last much longer with the wave of destruction it had befallen. The raven haired beauty was their last hope.

Lee protested, "But still, you shouldn't be going alone. At least take one of us with you."

He immediately shook his head. "The more people we have, the slower we become. Besides, I won't be alone." An arrogant smirk curved his lips upward. "Lady Kagome isn't exactly defenseless. She knows how to fight. She may not be a shinobi, but she's resourceful and can handle herself against an enemy."

"Yes," Taruho decided to cut in, "Lady Kagome has always known how to take care of herself. Since a very young age, she has been practicing many different forms of martial arts and self-defense."

"Well, I guess that settles it then," Naruto said. His bright blue eyes narrowed as he gazed seriously at Neji. "Be careful. We've got your back, Neji."

The Hyuuga prodigy smiled. He nodded once. "Let's go. We're wasting time."

"Right," the others exclaimed as one, eyes gleaming with their combined determination.

KH*NH*KH*NH

Before, the scent of jasmine had almost lured him into a state of distraction, now Neji took comfort in the soothing aroma that Kagome naturally gave off. With her slight weight once more on his back, he swiftly moved within the forest. His mind was focused on only one goal: to reach the shrine safely as quickly as possible.

Kagome's hand tightened on his shoulder, catching his attention.

"Did you decide to separate from the others because you didn't want Shion's prophecy about Naruto to come true?" she asked, keeping her voice low and for his ears alone.

Although she couldn't see it, a smirk curved his lips upward. She could see right through him. "What gave me away?" was all he said in response.

"Despite everything, Naruto is the type who could make the impossible – possible. His will is unshakable, and his chakra is immense. His sheer determination could move mountains and the hearts of those who are lost and have given up hope." She paused for a second. Neji couldn't help but admire the way she could observe an individual and be able to sum them up accurately. "You care about your teammate. Even though you know things will work out somehow, you would do anything to protect them. That's how I knew you wouldn't let Naruto anywhere near the sealing shrine if you could help it."

"Hn," he grunted. "Don't ever let that knucklehead hear you say that."

In response, the raven haired beauty softly laughed.

KH*NH*KH*NH

Arriving at the sealing shrine, Neji stopped abruptly at the sight that greeted them. His pearlescent eyes narrowed and he gritted his teeth. From her perch on his back, he felt Kagome stiffen.

Awaiting them was the stone army, the soldiers armed and ready to destroy anyone who opposed them. Their weapons were drawn, obviously waiting for Kagome's appearance.

Kagome slid from Neji's back, her amethyst orbs flashing with concern. "What do we do now, Neji?" she worriedly asked.

Byakugan activated, the Hyuuga prodigy scanned the area. "I'll hold them off. You head straight for the shrine."

She instantly shook her head, one hand reaching to grasp his sleeve in protest. "There's no way I'm leaving you to deal with all of these soldiers alone," she snapped.

"Lady Kagome—"

"Enough of that 'lady' stuff," she continued, her tone turning scornful. "If you fight, I'm fighting with you. I'm not leaving—"

"Yes, you are," Neji cut her off, his gaze intense as he stared at her. His hands gripped her shoulders, the touch desperate and needing her to understand the situation. "Listen to me, Kagome. You're the only one who can stop Mouryo and his stone army. As the Priestess of Seals, this is part of your calling. You must fulfill it. Do you understand me?"

It pained him. It pained him to see her so conflicted. It pained him that they had to be separated at such an important moment. He'd thought they would be together to see everything through to the end, but that wasn't the hand fate had dealt. Neji had complete confidence that Kagome could accomplish what she was destined to do, however. He had faith.

Finally, Kagome shakily nodded. She took in a deep breath, her nerves steadying, and her shoulders straightening. She locked her eyes with his.

"I understand. I'll go. Please be careful, Neji."

He let an arrogant smirk cross his features, trying to lighten the mood and ease her worries somewhat. "I'll see you soon… Kagome." It was only the second time he'd used her name without an honorific, but it felt natural and like he'd been doing it for years.

The raven haired beauty seemed to realize the same thing as a charming blush colored her cheeks an attractive pink.

Neji's smirk widened. He definitely liked that expression on her near-angelic features, and he planned on making her blush many more times in the near future.

First, they had to stop Mouryo and his stone army.

KH*NH*KH*NH

Hopeless.

It was hopeless.

Tears making her vision blurry, Kagome stared up at the creature Mouryo had become. The endless amount of tentacles writhed and attacked anything that moved the slightest bit. From her kneeling position amongst the chaos, she felt hopelessly pinned and unable to move a muscle.

Why?

How could things have gone so wrong?

Slowly, almost as if the movement pained her, the raven haired beauty gripped the hidden jewel within her kimono. It was attached to a long chain around her neck, the bauble a pinkish-purple and glittered even in the low light of the cavern.

As she gazed at the jewel, her thoughts raced with memories of her mother and how she had been entrusted with the rare artifact. The jewel was meant for the current Priestess of Seals, a tool to use in case Mouryo was ever reawakened.

It was, in essence, a failsafe.

And Kagome knew what must be sacrificed in order to save everyone and the entire nation.

A soft smile adorned her face as her thoughts wandered to a certain Hyuuga prodigy. Would he be disappointed in her? Would he miss her? Curse her?

Mourn her?

A single tear slipped down a pale cheek. Regret was a sharp blade that pierced her heart. She wished that she could've spent more time with Neji, had had a chance to get to know him better. She wished she could've removed his family seal for him. Made him laugh out loud, if only just once.

Kagome wished for a lot of things but now none of it would come true.

Shaking her head to remove such negative thoughts, she focused on the jewel within her palm. It sparkled innocently, like it was waiting for her next move.

Determination shimmered within amethyst orbs before they closed. She concentrated, using everything she had to pull and mold her spiritual powers into one final attack.

Distantly, she could have sworn she'd heard Neji's voice calling her name.

Another tear slipped down her cheek, a resigned smile gracing her features. Even if it were her imagination, she was grateful to hear his voice.

Goodbye, Neji.

"KAGOME!"

KH*NH*KH*NH

"You stupid fool," Neji muttered affectionately. Kagome was cradled within his arms, unconscious, and one of his hands glowed green with healing chakra as it held one of hers gently. He knew Sakura was the better medic, but he couldn't stand the thought of not holding Kagome.

When he had finally made it passed the stone army – thanks to reinforcements arriving – and into the sealing shrine to assist Kagome, his heart had nearly stopped when he saw she was about to sacrifice herself in order to defeat Mouryo. The resigned, almost peaceful expression on her face as she prepared her last attack had made panic flood his system. He had moved the fastest he could remember ever moving and, with the help of Naruto and his Rasengan, combined with the energy Kagome had released, Mouryo had been defeated and sealed away once more.

It left the raven haired beauty in a weakened state, but the Hyuuga prodigy was more than happy to use his healing chakra to aid in her recovery.

Several moments later, her sooty lashes fluttered as she slowly regained consciousness. Neji stopped the flow of chakra, gaze intent upon her features.

Kagome blinked, brow furrowing with confusion. "… Neji?" she whispered, cautious but hopeful. Was she dreaming? Was this her version of heaven? If so, she didn't want to ever wake up.

Neji released a small smile. "Were you expecting someone else?"

"What happened?"

"What do you remember?"

Haltingly, she recalled the events. Her amethyst eyes never left his pearlescent ones, like she was almost afraid he would disappear and she would realize she really was dead and this was some version of hell. The way her unoccupied hand gripped at his haori spoke volumes, but he didn't once complain.

If I had it my way, I would never let her go.

Once she was finished, he filled in the gaps for her. While they were relieved that Naruto hadn't died like Shion had prophesized, Neji had also made it clear that he wasn't pleased with the way Kagome had almost sacrificed herself. He didn't outright call her an idiot but it was heavily implied, and he promised that if she did anything like that again, he would punish her severely.

And all Kagome could do was blink owlishly at the bold statement.

KH*NH*KH*NH

Standing on a cliff that overlooked the ruined sealing shrine, Kagome, Shion, Neji, his team, and the other Leaf Village shinobi that had arrived as backup stared at their surroundings, with the sunrise painting the sky red, orange, and yellow. It was a breathtaking view. Even the destruction caused by Mouryo couldn't take away the sheer beauty of the moment. They had survived, after all, and the nation was safe.

"So, what are you going to do now?" Naruto asked Kagome, arms pillowing his head in a casual pose. "I mean, you fulfilled your destiny or whatever, right? What's there left to do?"

Kagome answered, "Mouryo was a demon that was created by the dark thoughts of mankind, and there is bound to be another Mouryo someday. Because of this, the line of priestesses that must suppress him need to continue." She cast a sly glance in Neji's direction – and said shinobi suddenly found his cheeks heating to unnatural degrees. "Say, Neji, you'll help me with that. Right?"

Clueless, Naruto grinned boyishly as he stared at the Hyuuga prodigy. "Heck yeah, he will. Believe it!"

Ignoring his heated cheeks and embarrassed expression, Neji looked away from Kagome's expectant face. He did, however, discreetly link their hands together.

He would never get used to how easily the raven haired beauty could shatter his defenses.

But the soothing scent of jasmine made it completely worth it, especially when it came naturally from a bold and beautiful priestess who had captured his heart without even trying.