AN: So ive been stewin gup this story for a while now... and Im finally trying to put it down. Not sure how its going to go. Im really just puttingit out there to see how well the idea is recieved. The idea might be a littel cliche but I hope ive put a little bit of a spin on it to keep it somewhat new and interesting.

Rated M for future chapters.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto!

Chapter 1

A large paw broke through the fragile ice of the small stream. Ears twitching as the sound of the pack reached his ears. Leaning forward to lap up the frigid water large blue-green eyes closed as a memory was recalled.

Small chubby arms wrapped around his mid-section held him tightly as the small child carrying him toddled around the camp. Her pitched squeal chipper in the way that only a toddler could be.

"Biki tursty!" she said in a no nonsense manner. As if her statement could make the sentiment true. It didn't matter. The russet wolf pup would drink till he was engorged if it made her smile. She was his favorite person in the whole world, and he was sure that he was hers.

He was turned around and barely saw the green eyes, glinting in the firelight, her blue markings just coming into fruition. Not having completed their bonding as master to companion yet. But that would come soon. They had to wait for the bonding ceremony that would be held at the meeting of the clans at the festival.

That's all he knew. As the young pup yearned to be her completely. Only to be rebuffed by his mom. Another reason they hadn't completed the bonding. He was on the last legs of weaning, and until he was independent, it was necessary for him to remain with his litter mates.

As the blue fang markings fell out of view a small silver pendant was nearly shoved in his eye as the girl squeezed the young pup into a toddler's version of a bear hug. It was a simple flower.

A cherry blossom.

The wolf-hound leaped effortlessly over the stream and cresting a hill. The pack was near the northern boundary in the land of snow. Near the hidden village there. He looked longingly in the direction that the scents of people were coming from. A desperate flicker of hope came and passed just as quickly as a sharp pang of hurt clenched in the animals gut. His hears flattened backwards as he turned tail and made his way back to the rest of the pack.

They were the surviving one from the clan of the blue fang. Inuaoi. His litter mates, and a few who had not bonded. Those who had lost their companions that had survived, they had died long ago. Depression and the loss of will to live had sentenced them to their fate. Losing a master was like dying yourself. He had only escaped that fate because the process was incomplete. And because for some reason he refused to believe she was gone. He had only given up on searching.

It was a constant nagging guilt, but for fear of slipping into the inevitable black hole of loss…he chose to live. Because if the roles were reversed he knew he would want her to go on.

With one last look over his shoulder towards the distant village he continued to lope towards the rest of his pack.

He could see them playing the snow drifts dodging half-hearted playful attacks as brothers and sisters teased and tormented each other. Their tongues hanging haphazardly out of their mouths as they panted for air. While puffs of vapor emphasized the contrast of the cool air to their hot breath.

He said and watched them. They had eaten and had nothing really better to do. And allowing this type of activity increased the bonding between them, and made them a more cohesive pack.

He lifted his nose to inhale the crisp air the shook out his fur. It was crusted with ice. Clinging to his shaggy winter coat. Maybe they should head south and explore the continent. In truth, he was just tired of the snow.

A brisk breeze ruffled his coat and he inhaled deeply once again. This time his nose twitched. He stood and headed in the direction that the breeze had come from, moving slowly with hesitant steps. Another breeze and his pupils dilated as if honing in on something acutely.

Noticing his actions the rest of the pack stopped what they were doing and were moving closer. They sensed the change in his demeanor his shudder alertness to some unknown cause. They felt his chakra flair and the aura of his alpha presence made them whimper subconsciously in submission.

That scent, he knew that scent. It was ingrained into his very being and after years of nothing…..when he had finally resigned himself to giving up, there is was.

"We're leaving" He barked, and without preamble, took off at a break-neck speed.

He pulled his cloak tighter around himself. The land of Iron sucked. Way too cold her him. He longed to find a hot-spring and do the equivalent to cooking himself. If only to stave off the bitter cold he was experiencing now. 'How did those people in these cold climes deal with it?' he wondered to himself. There was just no way. It was glad he was born in the land of fire. There was no snow!

He gaze flickered to his traveling companions.

Akamaru was trudging head down fighting the wind as they moved. His shaggy coat had ice buildup, but he didn't complain. And on his back was Sakura. She was bundled up. Kiba had insisted on her riding the dog. He wanted to make sure she didn't get sick. Because that would just be wrong, the medic getting sick!

It was his argument and he was sticking to it. She had fought relentless for hours until she finally relented when the wind picked up and she realized that she couldn't feel her legs anymore.

Kiba grinned as he remembered her red cheeks and her feeble excuse about how she would only travel on Akamaru's back for a little bit. That was this morning, and it was now late afternoon. They needed to find a place to camp.

It was getting late and they knew there wasn't an inn anywhere near them.

'Stupid mission.' He mused. She had to get rare herbs that only grew in the tundra's between the land of Iron and the Land of snow. Hearty shrubs that only flourished in those areas. They each carried packs full of the gathered herbs. And so did Akamaru in makeshift packs.

At first Kiba had scoffed at the idea of using his dog as a pack mule, but the dog had soothed his master reminding him that the village needed these to heal the villagers.

A strong gust of wind whipped around them and her hood flipped back. Long strands of pink hair flew behind her. Quickly her hands reached back and pulled the hood back over her head and resecured it. Her voice was tired and pleading as it reached him through the howling wind.

"Kiba, we need to find shelter or put up a tent. It's too cold to keep this up."

"I know. I've been looking for places, but I haven't found any."

Man what he would give to be an earth type right about now. And just make them a cave. He sighed.

"Over there" Her voice rang out excitedly. He looked to where she was pointing.

It wasn't really a cave by any means just a large indent in the side of a hill. And it was mostly hidden except for the small patch of dirt the stood out the middle of some dense trees. Looks like it would shelter them from the wind. This was more than they could hope for.

The fire was crackling happily as she stared into the dancing flames. It was too cold, and despite her best efforts, and that of Kiba's chivalry. She could feel a cold coming on. But she would just have to hope that warming up and some hot tea would help to deter that.

Kiba had set up the tent and was busy brushing out Akamaru's coat so that he could dry with a lot less damp to worry about. Not to mention they both agreed that they would share the tent and that Akamaru would sleep between them so they could share in his warmth.

The kettle was steaming now and she poured them both cups. The tea was a mixture of herbs that would not only warm them but hopefully boost their immune system and prevent either of them from getting sick. As the warm brew passed her lips she couldn't help but sigh.

In the distance a wolf howl rang reverberated off the wall of the little hill. She noticed both Kiba and Akamaru become alert. Akamaru seemed more affected by it though as evidence to his tail now tucked between his legs and his ears flattened.

"It's gonna be alright boy. Wolves are common in these areas."

Akamaru barked at his master and Kiba furrowed his brow, and began rubbing his companion's neck. "We'll be fine." She heard Kiba try to soothe the giant dog.

"What's wrong?"

"Akamaru says there is something different about this one. He, …It's hard to explain. He says it's like he can sense it's an alpha, but it's like. It's his Alpha. Which is crazy cause I'm his master and if we are going by the hierarchy of the pack then technically ..Kuromaru is his alpha."

She didn't know what to think about that. Not really understanding most of the pack law or the interworking's. So instead she turned her head to look out into the darkness. She heard the howling again and it was answered by another. She stiffened as a memory flashed before her.

"What sounds to the dogs make little one?"

She giggled and took a deep breath "Aahhoooo!" her little voice made the adults around her laugh and clap. She beamed with pride.

"That's right!"

She did it again. " AAAAHHHOOOO!" this time much louder. Then there was a yip and a soft "aaahhooowoo wooo woo" answered her. Her head whipped around to see a small puppy that had separated itself for his litter mates and was sitting somewhat slouched . His little ears still somewhat floppy and his muzzle forming an "O" as he howled in his little puppy voice. He was so cute, and fluffy looking. He fur was a deep brown that reflected bits of red from the fire. His eyes barely open but she could catch glints of green, or was that blue?

"Ahhhooooooo" she repeated again. Now transfixed by this new development. She toddled closer to the little puppy and sat next to it. As the puppy howled again.

"Mommy can I has dis one?"

The little girl never noticed how quiet the group around her had gotten. She only saw the puppy and delighted in their duet.

A man and woman baring distinct blue fang markings exchanged knowing looks as they smiled lovingly at each other.

"Of course. What will you name him?"

"Hibiki"

"What did you say Sakura?" Kiba's voice started her back to the present the memory gone as she shook her head to clear her mind.

"What? .. Nothing, I think the cold is just getting to me."

Kiba gave her a worried look. "Are you alright?"

"Yea. I promise."

"Well, okay if you say so. Akamaru is dry now, and I'm super tired. I think I'm gonna head into the tent. Do you mind taking the first watch? I mean we could just both sleep, but with the wolves, maybe it's better if one of us stays up."

She nodded her agreement. "Yea. Go ahead and I'll stay up. I'm too cold to sleep right now anyway."

He nodded and disappeared inside the tent. Akamaru didn't follow his master, instead he sat next to the pink haired kinoichi to keep her company.

She smiled at him and he wagged his tail. Relishing in the ear scratch that she was giving him.

The scent was getting stronger, and it was coupled with two others. A dog and a boy. The two scents intermingling with a similarity that could only mean they were companions. Hibiki doubled his speed the pack close on his heels. He howled in his excitement unable to contain the anticipation of seeing her. Wondering what she looked like now and if she'd remember him.

He howled again and pushed forward, there was smoke in the air. She was close.

Akamaru was worried. The girl had dozed off and was shaking. The fire was still warm but had long since died down. Not enough to warm someone who was already freezing though. He as at a loss. He needed to alert Kiba, but he didn't want to move. And he didn't want to bark and add any more attention to them than was already being done by the smoke. Wolves had keen senses. Much keener than his own. Which was nothing to laugh at.

His head jerked, there was movement in the trees beyond. It was too late they had been found.

And so he barked several times until a stumbling Kiba dashed out of the tent. Akamaru had to shake his head in amusement even if the situation had the possibility to be bad. His master was sleep mussed and his clothes were all askew. It was not a very intimidating look.

"W…What's the matter Akamaru?" He yawned then blinked as he saw Sakura's form leaning limply against the dog. "Is she okay?" Akamaru barked again.

"She's shaking? Damn, she must have gotten sick anyway. I should have let her sleep instead."

Akamaru whimpered as Kiba drew closer, and yipped. At that the boy whipped his head to look out into the trees beyond their little cul-de-sac that was made up of the hill and trees.

"Good boy. We'll get this fire going and hopefully that will keep them at bay."

He was pacing back and forth within the trees. The distant flicker of the firelight barely filtering through the trees. There were two humans and a dog. She had to be the one leaning against the large canine.

Hibiki had the urge to go forward to see, but he was wary. Wary that this might be his senses playing tricks on him. Wary that they would attack, and if they did could he risk hurting her if it really was her? The answer was no. He had to wait to see. There had to be something about this girl that would let him know. That would decide for him. And so he waited.

It had been a few hours and he crept closer trying to be quiet but needing to get a better look. What he saw caused him to whimper a mixture of joy and apprehension washed over him.

The boy had pulled back the hood and was dabbing her forehead with a cloth. He could smell her fever. This worried him. But it was neither of those things that caused his heart to swell. It was her hair. The color distinct and rare. He had only ever seen one other human with that color hair and it had been a tiny girl who was destined to be his mistress.

Cautiously he moved forward and paused at the edge of their camp. The white dog jerked and began to growl, this in turn made the girl jerk. Hibiki looked to the girl his ears flattening briefly before he rose up to his full height and growled right back.

The white dog seemed to shrink back which caused the boy to stand and ask what was the matter was.

The white dog yipped not taking his eyes off of Hibiki. "He's the one Kiba."

The boy turned to gaze at the wolf and regarded him cautiously.

"We don't mean any harm in these woods if it's your territory. We're just passing through to Fire country."

Hibiki's eyes looked between the dog and the boy then looked to the girl. He wanted to bark but the sound came out more like a whiny half-bark and a yip. "Is she okay?"

"Sakura is fine, but she's sick. I'm Kiba and this is Akamaru."

"Inuzuka." Hibiki barked a little deeper this time.

The boy blinked, "Yea. How'd you know?"

Hibiki noticed the white dog give his master a disgruntled look and shook it's head. "Red fang." The russet hound rumbled.

"Oh, right." The boy rubbed the back of his neck grinning. "Well, like I said we don't want any trouble. " The boy spoke up as Hibiki slowly made his way closer to them. There were yips from behind him but he turned his head and gave a bark that quieted them down. "We don't want trouble either Kiba of the Red Fang. But that girl, she's my mistress. And I've come to reunite with her."

Kiba wasn't sure if he had heard the wolf correctly. He looked down at Sakura and then back to the wolf. "Come again?"

"She's my mistress. Daughter of my mother's Mistress, Mate to the Alpha."

"Look I think you've got it all wrong. I've known Sakura for pretty much my whole life and I can tell you she isn't from a dog-nin clan. She doesn't even have markings so how can you be her companion?"

He watched the russet canine give him a calculating look before it spoke.

"She disappeared before our bonding was complete. It was to be done at the gathering of the clans during which time she would be named and her status announced."

That gave Kiba pause. Her markings wouldn't show up until the bond was complete. At least they would be permanent. The markings would start to form one she met her companion but they would fade if not completed. He looked down at his friend again she was starting to shiver again.
"Damn it. I don't know what to do. She's the medic here." He got down to wipe at her brow again. The next thing he knew there was a muzzle butting his hand away as it sniffed her and nudged her head a little. The dog was whimpering.

"I don't think she is sick with a human cold." The wolf barked quietly.

"What do you mean?"

"Her birthday was a week ago. The Princess is coming into her inheritance."

Kiba blinked. "Her inheritance? Princess? What are you talking about wolf?"

"At the age of 17 the royals who were destined to be Alpha would come into their inheritance of power. It would signify the time for them to begin training. A seal was placed on the others to limit their chakra so as not to be in a position to overpower the Alpha and their mates."

"How do you know all this?" Kiba was sort of transfixed. He knew the basics, but the way this wolf spoke. It was like from another era. He was destined to be Alpha of his clan but it was a birthright to the first born males. Not females. And they didn't use seals on their pups anymore.

"My mother was the companion to the mate of the alpha. She taught me everything before she died."

"Oh, sorry to hear that….What happened?"

The wolf laid down and placed his head in the girls lap. He looked so sad that Kiba couldn't bring himself to stop the strange dog.

"The clan was attacked by very powerful humans that wiped out the whole clan. My mother wanted to stay with her mistress but she was ordered to guard and save the pups. My litter mates and I were just barely weaned and we were on our way to the Gathering of the Clans. She stayed with us for a little while. Surviving by pure will. And then she just let go. I think she died of a broken heart. Her Mistress was dead."

Kiba sat there feeling sorry for the dog. He knew all too well what losing a master could do to a dog. He had witnessed it many times.

"Wait, what clan were you apart of?"

"The Blue Fang."

Kiba's eyes widened, and Akamaru whined lowering his head. The Royals.

"Inuaoi?"

Sakura whimpered in her sleep she was breathing heavily and her head began to shake back and forth, Kiba didn't know what to do as he tried to wipe at her sweaty brow. "She keeps getting worse."

Then the wolf did the strangest thing. It breathed on her. Kiba's senses told him it wasn't normal dog breath that the dog was blowing in her face. The idea struck him as funny for a second before he felt the chakra aura change between the two. Then there was a light pulse and Sakura sat straight up her eyes wide staring at Kiba.

"Hibiki!"

He had to blink, not because she had startled him, which she had, but because her eyes. Her pupils had turned to slits. Then the moment was gone as her eyelashes fluttered and she fell back. But this time the wolf had traded places with Akamaru, letting Sakura rest against him instead. The wolf-hound was licking her face whining. The sound a mixture of relief and happiness.

"Don't worry Kiba of the Red Fang. I was reacquainting my chakra with hers. Look close to her face and you'll know I speak the truth."

At this Kiba looked to her face and again he was met with another surprise. There very faint almost invisible were the shadowing of developing clan markings.

Hibiki watched the girl resting against him as she slept soundly. Her fever had broken one his chakra had been introduced to her.

Sakura. The boy had called her that.

It was fitting. He remembered the pendant. He sighed. Finally.

He had found her.

AN: Well, I hope you all enjoyed that. I also hope that it wasn't too confusing when switching between characters.

Inuaoi was my own making. I looked up baby names. and Aoi apparently means Blue. and then Hibiki is supposed to mean Echo.. Please REVIEW,,,,,,its like cookies for my plot bunny. Also lets me know what you all think abou this. story ;p