To the Ends of the Earth

[endless_scrolls]

Title: To the Ends of the Earth
Type: Fanfic
Fandom: Naruto
Theme: 02. Halfway across the world and back [ Wordcount: 432 ]
Character(s): Tenten, Uchiha Sasuke; brief mentions of Rock Lee, Uzumaki Naruto
Pairing(s): Hints of Sasuke/Tenten
Warning(s): None.
Disclaimer: I own nothing but these words.
Note: Random series of one-shots based on the themes borrowed from 20_aus although... it's more like 25 since I plan on doing the extra/bonus themes too. In hindsight, this is probably a bad idea for trimming back on the plot bunnies.
Dedicated to: its_game_time; because their dynamic works in any universe, I say. 8|
Useless fact: 'The red string of fate, also referred to as the red thread of destiny, red thread of fate, and other variants, is an East Asian belief originating from Chinese legend and is also used in Japanese legend. [...] The two people connected by the red thread are destined lovers, regardless of time, place or circumstances. This magical cord may stretch or tangle, but never break. This myth is similar to the Western concept of soulmates or a twin flame.'

It was unlike anything she ever saw or knew. There was no heat from the sand. The sun never seemed to move from its spot in the sky; the shadows at her feet neither lengthened or shortened. Time itself appeared to stand completely still since she arrived. Then again, it wasn't every day that she had the privilege or curses to experience death and the underworld in such a casual manner. Most souls only made that journey once. And none of them, she suspected, were looking forward to spending time with Davy Jones, much less his Locker.

But there was a hunt to be had. And a lost soul to reclaim. It was not yet her time to lead; not for a little while longer if she held any say on the matter.

"The ship was yours."

So when she saw his figure in the horizon, the piratess merely met him with a mask of neutrality. And with each step the crew took, she became more and more lost in their relief and excitement. More engulfed in Lee's enthusiasm and Naruto's fire. That was not what they needed from her. It was not what he required. Sasuke had not chosen her to fall to the whims of emotion. He chose her as his First Mate because she understood how far he was from it.

"The world was not quite the same without you... Captain." The last word, in particular, was said with a bit of flourish as she gave a mocking bow. All the while, her eyes were trained on his, lips curved in a devilish grin that marked her playfulness. Because that was how their partnership worked. Because she was the only one among his crew and short list of companions who could.

And such reminders were met with a suspicious lift of his brow. "So... you wandered your way to World's End... just for that?"

Indifference guided her shoulders in a casual shrug. "It wasn't that difficult to find. And with you gone, there's no one fun around for me to bicker with."

"I'll bet."

She scoffed at that. And with a roll of her eyes, she began her march back to their flagship, the Susanoo, where it was stuck in the sandy beaches of this fiery cage. There was still another half of a riddle to solve, and an exit to freedom still to find. All the while, she felt the weight of his stare against her back. And could not help but smirk with one last barb to his ego.

"Besides. Smooth as she flies, she's no Siren..."