Pretty Wings
A Kakashi x Iruka fic
by Magnificent Meow
"Disclaimer": Naruto and its characters are not copyrighted by me. :3
Author's Notes: It's been awhile ;P
I was tempted to (and did at one point) give this story an AU classification, BUT, it's not an alternate universe fic. It has it's differences from the original story but so does every other fanfiction. The big idea here is that Kakashi is not a member of leaf village. Easy enough, right? :3
Chapter 1: The Capture
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The calm of the night was betraying, but the call had been made, Iruka was sure of it. The whistle that so many feared had been used, the silent cries of terror that awoke sleeping ninja were hollered only when the most imminent of troubles were arising, and that time was now. Something was happening. The village was frighteningly still.
Tired, a little grumpy and still pulling on his gear, Iruka peered from his bedroom window into the quiet streets. The air was thick, the world far too silent. It was always fortunate that the word of danger could spread so quickly, growing like a wildfire in tense situations. The concern was noticeable. The village would defend itself. And he still didn't know what was going on.
Intruders? In the forest? Iruka shook his head in an attempt to wake up. He thought back, almost certain that he had misheard the shouts to wake up and fight, but glancing up from his window he could see several Hidden Leaf ninja leaping toward the trees. Finally Iruka felt assured that he hadn't just been dreaming.
He frowned.
He really wished he had been dreaming. Bed was so much more comfortable.
"Well, I guess I did hear correctly," he said aloud, still trying to wake up. He closed his eyes and took in the cool night air. "We're under attack..."
He paused for another moment before letting out a sigh.
"I hope it's not Naruto..."
Still tightening his forehead protector, Iruka stepped on the windowsill and leapt to the nearest rooftop. Like the other ninjas ahead of him, he let his feet touch down for only a moment as he dashed across the village towards the forest at the edge of town. Maybe once he reached it he could figure out what was happening. Only then would he be sure Naruto was safe.
Never removing his eyes from the forest ahead and yet always aware, Iruka caught sight of lightning sparking in the far distance, softly illuminating the wooden rooftops and trees in a moment of pure beauty. Soon it would rain, and with rain can come the defining moments of battle. With rain, all evidence could be lost.
Moments later the low growl of thunder could be heard.
Like Naruto's stomach when he begs for ramen.
Iruka closed his eyes. What a trivial thing to concern myself with at a time like this...
Moving as quickly as he could, careful not to disturb those still sleeping, he caught sight of a fellow ninja heading in the same direction. As he studied the figure Iruka caught sight of long bare legs and a slight female form in the moonlight.
Kurenai.
A jounin.
Perhaps this was more serious than he had expected.
Iruka sped up hoping to catch his peer, nearly losing his balance and tumbling at full speed from the rooftops. Fortunately he caught himself before he could look like a fool. He took a mental note to be more careful if he didn't want to die outside of battle.
I must still be tired, he lied to himself, smirk forming on his lips. Yeah, tired.
Sure of his own safety, once again he turned to his peer. "Kurenai!!" he shouted breathlessly, catching the lithe woman's eye. "What's going on?"
The wait before her reply was almost painful, but Iruka held his breath.
"Intruders," she called back, "they infiltrated the village, but we pushed them back into the forest."
Iruka exhaled and looked back at Kurenai, who was still moving at full speed. "How many?"Kurenai's reply was blunt, and her voice even. "I believe there are only four."
Iruka's eyes widened in disbelief. Four!? That's it?! They must be very dangerous if they can keep a talented ninja like Kurenai at bay. Would I really be doing them any good? I'm just a chuunin, after all...and the genin!…
He shook his head forcing the thoughts out. He didn't want to even consider what might become of the inexperienced genin who could be facing their first big battle. Instead he strove for a different line of thought. "Backup was called for so few?"
With a sigh Kurenai slowed her speed and lowered her head as if partly ashamed of Iruka's statement and partly admitting her exhaustion. "They are..." she paused to let out a sigh, "...surprisingly strong." She pulled out several kunai as the forest drew near. "We could use all the help we can get."
Iruka pressed his lips together sternly and gave a half minded nod. Hoping to choke back his own fears, his mind almost phasing out and losing concentration, but Kurenai began to speak once more, effectively snapping him from his daze.
"Iruka, you should head to the west. I think I saw Naruto there."
The sensei paused to catch his breath. "N..Naru...."
But before Iruka could say anything more Kurenai had disappeared into the forest. He was once again alone, heading west towards the forest depths.
It was cold. The rain was beginning to fall, and droplets hit the chuunin's skin like a torrent of needles, each one bent on stinging his flesh. He promised himself that he wouldn't think about slipping back home and heading for bed, ridding himself of this cold nightmare, no matter how tempting it was to give up.
It will be over soon, he assured himself. I still need to find Naruto to make sure he hasn't gotten himself in trouble. I have a bad feeling.
Iruka leapt through the trees, dodging branches and cursing at the droplets of rain as they pounded against his soft skin. It was such an unpleasant feeling. Cold. Miserable. Unhealthy. He had to keep his mind focused if he was going to avoid death.
"OI!! IRUKA SENSEI!!"
The voice called from the ground, and Iruka knew immediately who it was, the nasal voice pushing through the air like a fish through water. Fortunately for him, he was glad to see the boy. Iruka smiled inwardly. He's all right!
"Naruto, you should get out of here, it's dangerous!"
"I'll be fine Iruka sensei! Trust me!!" A grin stretched across Naruto's face from ear to ear, half mocking and half exuberantly confident. Iruka sighed. There was nothing he could do short of hauling him back into town if Naruto wouldn't cooperate.
"Naruto... this isn't a game. You could get seriously hur-"
Naruto waved his hand towards the worried teacher, effectively cutting him off. "Ne, Iruka sensei! You worry too much! I'm a NINJA now!" the blonde said, thumb pressed against his chest as he took the strongest looking pose he could. "I can take care of myself!"
Iruka let a sigh escape from his lips. Maybe he was worrying too much about Naruto's safety. Maybe he should stop letting his fears get in the way of the boy's success. After all, he, himself, would never be a chuunin if no one had ever given him a chance. Was it only fair to let Naruto, Leaf Village's noisiest ninja, in on the fight?
A moving shadow broke Iruka's moment of thought.
Immediately Iruka took a defensive stance.
We're being watched ..."Naruto, be on guard and get out of here!"
Leaving Naruto behind, Iruka began his chase of the mysterious shadow as it took him through the trees deeper into the forest.
"I can barely see a thing," Iruka muttered. "This isn't good..."
He was quickly losing the figure in the distance. As a flash of lightning provided some insight into the situation, Iruka could tell that he was already alone. He paused, hoping to hear the sound of rustling leaves, but the rain destroyed his hopes.
"Dammit," Iruka muttered, clenching his fists, I lost him. The young chuunin spun around, checking all directions. He leapt from branch to branch, eyeing the ground for movement. Any movement. But before Iruka could catch his senses once more he heard a yelp echo from behind him.
It can't be! He cringed recognizing the voice. I told him to run!
Iruka dashed through the trees towards the direction of the cry.Did the ninja trick me into following him so he could attack Naruto?
Iruka shook his head, pushing the thoughts out to concentrate. Looking down, he could see Naruto through the wet leaves and pouring rain. The boy was in pain, clutching his shoulder that in return only stained his hand, the wound almost unseen in the moonlight. He stumbled slightly after the hit like a man far too fond of drinking, using his free hand to clutch a nearby tree for support. His blonde hair was matted with the rain and when he let out a cough his knees shook beneath him, ready to give out at any moment.
Naruto was hurt.
Iruka could feel the anger and fear swell within him as he balled his fists. "NARUTO!!" he cried, "Get out of here!! RUN!!!!!"
Even from the distance parting them Iruka could see the dark liquid dripping down and coating the orange jacket. He wanted to cry out again as Naruto clutched his shoulder, clearly in pain, clearly inexperienced, and clearly in more trouble than he would admit. The blonde boy didn't even flinch at the sound of Iruka's voice. He was losing it. He was losing the fight. There were no choices left.
In one swift movement, Iruka dashed towards his pupil, but as he drew nearer he realized how much closer the danger was. A flash of silver caught his eye. And another. And another. Sharp streaks of metal seemed to glow in the moonlight as Iruka could feel his heart come to a stop.
Kunai!!
Heading straight for Naruto!
As Naruto stood, barely moving and in pain, Iruka leapt forward as quickly as he could, pulling out his own knives, throwing them with all of his strength and accuracy.
They're moving too fast, I won't be able to stop them all!
As his legs caught the nearest tree branch, the sensei pushed downward and threw his body at the quivering boy. If his kunai didn't make it, then he sure as hell would. He wouldn't sit and watch Naruto get hurt. He couldn't bring himself to watch the boy suffer any longer. It was much too painful for both of them.
I promise to buy you some ramen...
The familiar clash of metal on metal pierced the air as Iruka sped towards his pupil.
....one ....
....two....
His kunai took out the enemy's.
But the third?
"Shit," Iruka cursed under his breath. ....I missed one...
Lightning lit the scene as he dropped towards the orange clad boy, soaking wet with every muscle aching for some rest. As he reached Naruto, he huddled around the youth, hoping to the gods that he had made it on time.
"Naruto..."
With a sudden flash he could feel metal pierce his flesh. He let out a groan as the kunai dug itself into his shoulder, tearing at his muscles, and spilling his warm blood. He grit his teeth, biting back the pain. He could deal with pain. Just as long as no one else had to.
Iruka released Naruto from his grasp, reaching his left hand across his chest and over his shoulder. His hands were already numb from the rain, but he would never forget the feeling of metal that had impacted upon the body. It was distinct. It was cold. It was fucking painful. He let his fingers glide across the blade that so gracefully protruded from his body. This was the heartless life of the ninja.
He ripped the kunai from his shoulder, let it fall to the ground, and applied a firm pressure to the wound with his hand. With the rain it would be hard to stop the bleeding.
Before he could forget himself, Iruka spun around, mind half dazed. He knew Naruto was muttering something, but with the rain hitting the ground and thunder roaring above the trees he couldn't make it out. Something about...more danger?
As the young teacher lifted his eyes he understood.
The enemy was still present.
The man.
He had not left.
He's still in plain view...
Lightning flashed once more allowing Iruka to gain sight of the intruder. As the light slid across the man's features it became clear that he wore a mask, and his forehead protector was draped across his left eye. Iruka held his breath. It was as if everything about this ninja was meant to disguise the truth. Even his hair, which seemed to glow in the darkness, a beautiful shade of silvery grey, hid its owner's youth.
Always the mysterious one. Iruka took a deep breath. He's so beautifully frightening...
Trapped in the moment, Iruka's eyes lay transfixed upon the eye of the ninja across from him. Neither was moving. The world was encased in the moment.
Why isn't he doing anything? Iruka's eyes flickered with fear. His chakra is so much stronger than mine, he could take me down instantly...Yet there was nothing but rain.
They stood staring at each other for what seemed, to Iruka at least, like an eternity. It became so much that the lack of action was drawing his attention back to his wound, warm blood still dripping down his arm and over his clothing, further smeared by the rain.
At least the injury was nothing serious. It could have been much worse. Still, Iruka cringed as he shifted his body, letting out an uncontrollable yelp of pain.
And it was then that the silver haired man moved.
The unknown ninja reached out his hand as if to offer help. Or an apology. Or perhaps he would step closer to finish what he had started. Whatever he was doing, Iruka's cry had stirred him back to his senses, but Iruka would never find out why.
It happened in an instant, and had gone unnoticed by all. They swept in quickly, kunai flying from all possible angles, directly aimed at the uninvited, unwelcome ninja that had waited so patiently in Iruka's presence. It was a fault that no ninja would ever admit to have made.
The masked man had let his guard down.
The Hidden Leaf ninjas were attacking.
Had the strange ninja choked?
By the time the masked ninja caught sight of the silver flashes heading in his direction it was much too late to stop all of them. Gliding quietly through the air, he cried out in pain as several split his skin, his back and arms torn by the blades. As his legs gave way beneath him, the man crumbled and slumped to the ground leaving Iruka to wonder what the hell just happened.This is the second time tonight that I feel like I'm out of the loop, Iruka thought quietly. He stumbled forward, wide eyed as his fellow ninjas swarmed like moths to the burning flame over the mysterious ninja. He could see the young man moving through their bodies, and as much as he struggled in their grasp, the one eyed fellow didn't have the strength to push them all away.
Iruka could only watch.
As the mob spread out and the panic slowed down, one of the leaf ninjas threw the masked man over his shoulder and turned back towards the village. The ordeal was over. Now they would question the man, possibly torture him….
Iruka couldn't help but wonder what became of the other three ninjas that were a part of the enemy team. Were they caught too? Or are they still out there?
The rain was dying down now. Thunder rolled off in the distance, no longer the mighty storm that had drifted over the village with it's cold atmosphere and hard rain. Iruka turned to Naruto, who was standing behind him now, an improvement from earlier.
"Naruto, are you okay?"
The boy quietly nodded, keeping his eyes on his fingers, which were interlaced in front of his body. "Yeah," he grumbled, sounding more embarrassed than anything. "Sorry, sensei. I didn't mean to get you hurt."
Iruka took his hand off his shoulder and tried to stand up straight, disguising his pain. "I'm just glad you're all right," he said, following the other ninja out of the forest. "As a reward for doing so well... I'll buy you some ramen...".
A pair of eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?"
"...later."
Naruto looked decidedly sulky as Iruka grinned. "For now," Iruka began, "we need to dry off and get some rest."
And maybe… once we get back to the village, we can figure out what the hell is going on. Iruka sighed. And I'll have a chance to see this masked ninja up close…
TBC
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Well.. ::cough:: Lots of action and no mushy stuff. So far. Mush comes later. (I love sap!) I hope it wasn't too long and corny and boring or anything, I'm no action writer, plus the story is just beginning. Kakashi will get an actual part next chapter XD. And hopefully other people will too. Iruka's hogging the spotlight.
Please review and tell me what you think, I could use the encouragement. It's been awhile since I've written. ::stares:: Must get back into it before I torture you with more... o.o.