Downfall (A Rock Lee fanfic)

Birds, Rivals, and Bloody Fists

Chapter 7: Birds, Rivals, and Bloody Fists

(Rock Lee's POV)

I was running and running, forcing through the vegetation and trying desperately to catch up. But my prey was gone. In what direction, I had no idea.

But I kept going. I couldn't turn back now. I had to find Sasuke.

Dawn was alighting the world slowly but I paid no notice. Sasuke, I had to find Sasuke. I had to ask for his help. I needed his help. He just had to help me!

My foot suddenly caught on a root and I pitched forward, slamming into the ground.

I panted softly and climbed to my hands and knees, fists clenched in frustrated desperation.

Damn that Sasuke! I thought in anger, so furious that I let a curse slip in my mind, I just wished to talk! Why did he run?! And Tenten, she slowed me down! I would have caught Sasuke by now had it not been for her! I felt bad instantly. I should not blame my problems on my precious teammate, but I was just so frustrated and... hopeless.

I pounded my fists against the ground and growled viciously. "Why is everything so difficult!" I roared, leaping to my feet and embedding my fist deep into the closest tree. I ripped it back out with a grunt and panted, looking at my quickly bloodying bandaged hand.

I groaned softly in slight pain and annoyance at my own idiocy. "That was most unyouthful..." I whispered lightly, rubbing my aching knuckles.

I slumped against the same tree I had just damaged and slipped to the ground, holding my head. Everything was so hard. I just wanted to find Sasuke and get my revenge, why must everything stand in my way? I shook my head lightly. This is going to be so hard... Can I really do this? I can't even go back to the village now. I am certain word of me leaving has spread already.

My grip tightened, squeezing my skull. Gai-sensei... I need you... Why did you have to leave me? I cried silently in my head, losing all hope.

"What are you doing!?" A voice suddenly shouted. I snapped my head up and looked around, but there was no one here. "Rock Lee, you are acting like a child! Get up, because it's only going to get harder from here on out!" This voice sounded very... familiar.

"Lee get up now! This isn't like the rival I knew! If you can't deal with this pathetically easy challenge than all those years of being your rival were truly wasted! I bet I could do this, no problem! Now get your green ass up and MOVE! You think Gai-sensei would want to see you like this now? You're doing this for him right? Then gain strength by the thought of getting justice for the person you loved." The voice snapped in a rather harsh and I-am-above-you voice.

I stood slowly, processing everything the voice had just said. A cautious smile grew on my face and I looked up.

"As much as it pains me to say it, you are correct. I must not let such a tiny frustration get to me. I must prevail, for Gai-sensei!"

Overhead suddenly a bird burst from the canopy and flew up to the sky. "Now that's the rival I know."

I smiled and watched the bird soar with soft, slightly sad eyes. "Yes... thank you Neji."

I took off again, re-wrapping my bloody fist with clean bandaging. I ran with a new rigor, now following the bird that flew overhead. I trusted Neji. He knew where Sasuke was.

Suddenly I screeched to a stop and looked down. Overhead the bird flew on, then doubled back when it found I was not following. It perched above me and watched with jerky movements of it's head. I was staring down into a puddle of water, one hand on my head.

"You know.." I started suddenly, causing the bird to flap it's wings. "I always envied your hair Neji. It was so long and beautiful..." I slid my finger into my weapons pouch, pulling out a kunai.

"But I think short hair works better for me. Just not Gai-sensei's haircut." I was suddenly cutting off short pieces of hair around the bottom edges of my hairline, making the ends naturally curl up softly, like a shorter version of my old hairstyle. I stashed my kunai and began to work at my bangs with my fingers. "Besides... It reminds me of him too much." I whispered, parting my bangs in the middle.

Finally I was happy with my wok, putting my hands on my hips and admiring my work. I glanced up at the bird. "What do you think?"

"It's alright. Does the spandex go next?" The voice replied, hopeful.

I shook my head. "No... This spandex means so much to me... besides, I can not rid myself of every reminder of sensei. Some things are just too precious to get rid of." The voice sighed, but I knew he understood.

"Now, we were on our way to find Sasuke?" I reminded, standing ready. The bird lifted off again like it had just been released from some sort of prison and was excited to be able to fly free finally.

"Yes. Come."

I followed.