Summary: The Hyuuga were supposed to guard the gateway to the cursed. She didn't know that, and definitely wasn't aware of the consequences of venturing past the physical boundaries. Now, she too is cursed, and condemned by fate.

Warnings: Darkish. PG-13.

Pairings: Hinata x Gaara/Sasuke/etc.

A preview, and as inspiration to jump start to my writing. My school year is almost done, and I dedicate this story to my close friend, who has really helped me through the year, Kenshin's lover 101, and my faithful reviewers, especially those who go even further and message me! Though I've been a little lax on checking my emails recently.

Delusional Daydream

This certainly wasn't the welcome he expected.

The breeze was crisp, warm for November. Dead brown leaves were blown about, eventually settling in corners of the unkempt garden in the center of the large traditional style house. The pond was clogged, the flowers and ornamental grasses dead, and the bushes growing wild. This place was empty, and had been for several months.

Where are they?

He started his search indoors. Everything was still in place, and the only sign of vacancy was the thin sheen of dust. Opening the door to each room and searching for it before closing it and continuing on, he stopped when he finally came upon a locked door. He blinked, wondering about the significance of the door before slamming he shoulder against the thin wood several times. It groaned and protested, banging open and bouncing off the wall with the force he had applied.

The room was familiar, and the only disorganized area. The bed was neatly made, but it was wrinkled. Papers were scattered all over the room, and pens were strewn over the plain desk in a similar manner. The window had been left open, and the room was cold. It was a forlorn sight.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

More importantly, where is she?

His eyes caught sight of the white patch of paper taped to the wall. Frowning, he ripped it away and opened it, spreading it out as he sat down on the dusty bed. Light streamed in from the window besides him as he scanned over the words.

April 4, Thursday.

Neji-nii,

Good morning. You told me you would be on the first bus leaving campus when you got let out for break, and I know you always keep your word.

I'm sorry I can't be here to welcome you personally. Though if I find you, or you find me, you must tell me about what you've been doing. I haven't talked to you in so long, and you haven't written anything to me.

Everybody is probably gone. They're getting ready to leave as I write to you. They say it's my fault- what happened yesterday that is. I've brought shame upon our family name, and now our ancestral grounds are tainted.

I'll admit it. He frightened me a little when I first met him, when it started. But now… I suppose I can say that I've accepted the blame. He's coming. I'm not sure what he wants. But the family won't stay around long enough to find out.

I would be worried about you too, but since the problem will be done away with when I'm gone, I won't fret.

I know you want me to get to the point, so here I shall.

I'm cursed, Neji. I unleashed the unnatural.

Here begins the tale.