niceguypose | Fourteenth Gate [Action/Video]

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Fourteenth Gate [Action/Video]

[It hadn't been unusual for Lee and Neji to miss each other throughout the day. They both followed different schedules and different training regimens, especially without Gai-Sensei to guide them. But the amount of time without seeing Neji at all was alarming. So he checked his comrade's room for signs of a kidnapping, and instead he found something much worse. Neji had gone home. Home to face his death. Rock Lee let out a wail that could be heard throughout the Flame Building. This wasn't the plan. They were supposed to return home only after they could save Neji from that gruesome fate. That was Lee's Luceti dream, even moreso than his dream of obtaining true flight with the wings.

He eventually decided to see Sakura, to try to find some comfort from her about all of this. They had resolved to be there for each other as they endured the trials of Luceti, however. To make sure he was not walking in on anything inappropriate, he knocked approximately 300 times. When none of them gained an answer, he showed himself in. And found a completely empty apartment.]

[Video]

[Rock Lee appears in front of the video feed. Unlike his usual self, he appears more sullen and reserved. Raw and hurt, as he speaks.]

People of Luceti... This is Rock Lee. I am here to deliver news about two people you may know. One was Hyuuga Neji... the genius of the Hyuuga clan and an eternal rival whom I will never defeat. And the other... is Sakura Haruno. She is the most powerful kunoichi in the entire world, and very likely the most beautiful as well. Well, second-most-powerful, if Tsunade-sama is counted.

Both of them... have returned back to their home. [It was unsual to consider how small their numbers how dwindled to. Shikamaru now was the only Konoha ninja remaining, and the only others from their world are now Temari and Itachi.] Please, remember them fondly, and wish them the best in their endeavors. I have found some letters written by both of them. If you would like them, you should face me for them.

[He closes his eyes for a moment in thought.]

It also seems that... the Dancing Red Supportive Angel of Paris, Erica Fontaine, is no longer in Luceti either. [He had tried filtering a message to her, ready to truly ask her out on a date at long last. The filter broke.] Those who seek me... I will be in the Battle Dome. My intentions are to train until I can no longer move.

[He closes his eyes in thought.

Sakura, Neji, Erica, Naruto, Kushina, Minato, Ikki. Rapunzel. Everyone who was bright and/or represented hope in some way went home eventually. Rock Lee was left to endure on his own, and to try to find that hope within him once again.

But he could not find it yet. He can't even manage a parting smile as he closes the journal.]

[Action]

[Rock Lee squats one room of the Battle Dome for the entire day. He has erected a makeshift sign outside of the door reading "Reserved for the Preservation of Youth".

He spends the entire day working through that room, enduring constant and rigorous training in simulations fighting against enemies from his own world. He cannot quite stomach to face a simulation of Neji, but all of his other rivals or enemies are fair game to appear in hologram form. Gaara, Kisame, Obito, Madara, Kimimaro, Sasuke and Naruto himself are the opponents at different times. His final opponent of the day, when he's on his last legs, is Gai-Sensei himself.

However, the holograms are not exactly perfect. Some of the holograms have some unusual abilities caused by Lee trying to fill in the gaps of abilities that he did not know about, and most of the time it ends up being fire breath. And nearly all of the holograms were made in a hurry, resulting in them having some bizarre flaws in their appearance similar to the uncanny valley effect. Some of them end up with small beady eyes, others end up with oddly large and detailed hands. Sometimes, their body features shift oddly as they move, as if they're being poorly animated...]

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[ O-Oh dear...

Natalia realizes that although she's had a few people she's known depart recently herself, including Erika who Lee has mentioned departed, she feel like she doesn't know just how much Lee is feeling about this. After all, he's been here longer than she has. Space is what everyone needs after someone important they know leaves, right?

But... the last thing that Lee said worries her. She's seen him push himself and she doesn't want it to get that bad.

So a little after she heard the message she makes her way over to the Battle Dome herself. Although she might not be the only one thinking the same at least it could help Lee know that he still had people here?

But, if anything, helping him with her healing artes is what she intends to do. That way, even if he does push himself to where 'he can't move', she can hopefully alleviate that so he can make it home.

So once she's there at the Battledome Natalia finds the room he's in and rather than watching from the observation deck slips into the room to watch. This way, if something does happen and he needs assistance she's already there. ]

[There are multiple cries of "Dattebayo!" greeting Natalia, maybe a few "Believe it!"s mixed in there. Rock Lee is facing off against multiple shadow clones of Naruto at some later point in the day, looking fairly bruised and beaten as he faces off with them. He's breathing heavily, but he doesn't notice her yet. He steps forward at a great speed and starts furiously punching/kicking through several at a time. He at least is kind of holding his own at the moment.]

[ Ah, let's allow Lee to finish what he's currently doing and hope that he notices her before he starts another round. From the looks of it he needs to take a break, even if it' a small one. And she'll be here to make sure that it happens after defeating this Dattebayo guy in orange. ]

[It's still a tough battle, and the Narutoes in their numbers start to overwhelm him. But then the simulation expires and the room returns to normal.

Lee runs right out of the simulation room to get back to the control console, not yet noticing Natalia at all.]

[ Woah where are you going oh no you're not going to work that simulation again.

So we're going to follow you and hopefully stand in the way so you can't run past again ]

I would think that you would take more care of your surroundings, Lee.

[He blinks and comes to a halt as she appears.]

N-Natalia-san! [Squints.] Is that you?

Indeed. I came to see how you were doing. [ Her expressions softens] I heard you on the journal.

You... you did. [He repeats in a more solemn voice, his expression softening.]

I am still working towards my goal. [Until he can no longer move!]

... Is that so.

[ She frowns, before a small look of determination takes its place. ]

Then perhaps my goal here today is to stop you from achieving your goal.

[ Because you are not going to keep going until you can no longer move ]

What do you mean? [He blinks, looking on in wounded confusion.]

Do you intend to- to challenge me, Natalia-san?

What I mean is that I will not allow your to render yourself immovable. So, yes. Perhaps I do, just not in the typical manner.

[ But throwing heals and cures are you? Yes sure ]

But... Natalia-san! How else will I stop feeling pain?

There are other ways to relieve pain than to push yourself recklessly. That only endangers your health and worries others around you.

I have pushed myself many times in the past. There is no need for anyone to worry for me.

There is plenty of need to worry. No one should push themselves to where they cannot move, and I most certainly will not allow it.

But... I must! That is the way I have decided... then, I will be numb to all my pains!

Do you truly believe that? That it will numb all your pains? What you are feeling I don't believe can simply be numbed through physical exhaustion.

I don't know... what else to do! [His confidence crackles with worry.] I have to- to endure now!

Well, you do not have to face it alone. If you need any assistance perhaps I could provide? Even if it's simply making sure that you do not push yourself past your body's limits.

Ah... Really? You will fight by my side, Natalia-san?

Of course, Lee. Is there a reason I ought not to?

If there is, than that reason is only yours to know! That is why I must hear your conviction!

There is none. So Lee, I will stand by and fight by your side, just like I have before.

[He nods.] I am honored. [And then with everything set up, he runs right into the room.] Please come with me!

Of course. [ And into the room Natalia follows! ]

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