Hey there! I know this took pretty long to post; I suck, I know. But, still, it was only like a week, right? That's not too bad. Anyhoo, this chapter features some one-on-one Shikamaru and Shikaku action. And, some of the lines/scenes are straight from the anime, while some are kind of twisted to fit my story. So, yeah.

Okay, so, you guys may be confused about this world that my story takes place in, so let me go ahead and explain. There are still Shinobi, but to a certain degree. There is no jutsu, but there is still dōjutsu, but, also to a certain extent. The Sharingan enables perfect photographic memory, so, when you activate it, it's like your eyes are now a digital camera, and it gives you, like, Spider senses, so you get a general idea of what's gonna happen next, but, also to a certain extent. When you activate the Byakugan, your vision is ridiculous. You can see super far, and get a general idea of what's going on in the next room, but this general idea gets stronger the longer you train with it. Same with the Sharingan. There are cars and stuff because ninjas have the brains and the skills to pull it off, along with the civilians gifted enough o help, too. The ninjas can jump through trees, have heightened speed, strength, agility, balance, etc., some civilians can do this stuff too, but it's pretty rare, and there are still ninja clans and villages and nations.

About the tailed beasts . . . They aren't as they are in the anime, but I think what I'm gonna do is this; They are the lost pieces of the shattered soul of this horrible bad guy from the past, and they go around looking for souls compatible enough for them to attach themselves to. When that host dies, they go looking for another 'host,' if you will, spreading animosity and bad stuff in their wake. That's why the place where Isobu (Three tales) resides is cursed. And, when the bad guy's soul split, each soul made up a different part of his personality, which is why they also all have a little bit of good in them that their host has to try and awaken so they can live in harmony, otherwise they become possessed. Okay? If you have questions, be sure to PM me or just leave it in your review.

Disclaimer: I totally forgot about this in the first chapter, but I in no way own Naruto or its characters, just the plot line.

His finger itched. The only thought going through his head was the fact that his finger itched, and the fact that he couldn't do anything about it because of the stupid splint in the way. The only thing he'd been thinking about since he woke up was the furious itching on his finger, and he thought he would go crazy if he didn't find some way to scratch it, because Kami-sama help him, he was about to rip the damn thing off and be done with it. Finger and all.

Nara Shikamaru sat up in his hospital bed, moon light shining in through the window, crickets and other creatures of the night making themselves known, and he was more alert than he had ever been in his entire life. He sat staring at the blank wall, just staring. He hadn't moved since the nurse had helped him up, and he didn't have the slightest clue as to when that was. His only concern was to think about anything but the accident.

The way Naruto yelled as those four Sound temes took off with his best friend, the way everyone froze in their seats as the car in front of them was suddenly crushing their windshield, and the way Tayuya's evil cackle made his skin crawl. Almost everything else was a blur, but that sound was so clear. And, of course, the part where that blonde that he'd been lazily arguing politics with at the party had shown up out of nowhere and saved him.

And, of course, how in the world could he ever possibly convince himself that he didn't remember the sounds of his friends' screams of pain, or in Neji's case, mind blowing agony? The way he had met Kiba's eyes, and had seen the stubborn humor still in his friend's gaze, even though there was a knife about to be plunged through his heart? The way he had smiled defiantly at the world, pretty much telling it to screw itself, because he was ready to accept death. Ready to die like a man, displaying courage that many believed beyond his mere thirteen years of life.

But, Shikamaru didn't want to admit these things to himself, because to admit these things would mean to admit one of the two main issues troubling his mind. Two things he never ever considered, two things he never ever bothered to think of, because he knew even considering them would bring as much grief to himself as it was doing now, with one of those thoughts being the main source of anxiety that was currently racking his mind with uncontrollable fear.

Nara Shikamaru had only two thoughts swirling in his head; 1. He had been entirely useless. He was absolutely no help to those he dared called friend. Sure, he had held his own against Tayuya, but how long would that have lasted? How long until he finally fell to his knees and gave up? Which, led to the most sickening thought of the night.

Nara Shikamaru would have willingly given up. He would have dropped to his knees like the coward he was, and given himself up. No, he wouldn't have begged, but that's only because he would not have cared if that was his end. He wouldn't have cared, because even after all of this, after this whole night, after all his friendships, and his family, and his long future ahead, he still doesn't care now-

No! That's not true! He pinched the bridge of his nose and gritted his teeth. Just shut up, Nara. Just shut up. Why're you even thinking like this? Your best friend might be dead, and your other friends are dying, or gone along with Chōji!

No! They're not dead!In the back of his mind, Shikamaru was surprised to hear this voice. The feeling in it, the emotion. It shook him, but he wasn't sure why. There's no way! They're stronger than that!

Listen to yourself, Nara! You aren't thinking straight! You saw what those thugs did to us. You barely survived, and not even Naruto made it that far! There's no way in He-

Of course there isn't any way in Hell because there is no Hell. Or have you forgotten in your panic?

Just SHUT UP. Are really so childish? Did you hit your head in the crash or something? Because the last time I checked, none of any of this crap would've ever mattered. Since when do you truly give a rat's ass about anything? Huh Nara? What's wrong with you?

What's wrong with me?What's wrong with you! You're the side of me acting completely heartless and disgusting!Chōji's our best friend!Or did you somehow forget that detail?

Sure, Chōji's our buddy, but since when have we ever cared this much about him, huh? And don't give me anymore crap about how he's apparently our best friend, cause we both know our words are only empty air.

I . . . What is wrong with you?Because you can't possibly be serious right now . . .Chōji, he . . .He . . .

He what, Nara? Hm? You gonna say he's the only person that understands you? Okay, sure, that's true. He's the only person that you've ever bothered to truly understand just because you wanted to understand them? Okay, another good one. Yeah, you think these things means you actually care about him? Are you forgetting that the only reason you ever talked to him about all that supposedly 'deep' stuff was to make sure that he knew you like silence, because then he would automatically be quiet, and that was an easier way to tell him to shut up. And the only reason you didn't tell him outright was because you pitied him.

. . .

Or, the only reason you even bothered to 'understand him,' was because he was like a little test subject of sorts, right? Just some stupid experiment to think about when you were completely bored.

. . .

You would slyly say hurtful things that actually cut him deep, just to see how he'd react. You'd slyly encourage Chōji's tormenters with apparently off handed comments that, unknowing to Chōji himself, were words meant to evoke a reaction in those that harassed your best friend every day.

. . . That was a long time ago . . .

And so you think that that changes anything? You think that justifies what you did? What you still sometimes do? Do you not get it? We all already knew you were good for nothing, but nobody knew you were an idiot to boot. Just admit it, Shikamaru, you don't care. You don't care about Chōji, you don't care about the rest of the guys, your family, your own future. And why is that?

. . .

It's because you never have, and you for sure never will. Just face it, Nara, you're useless. I mean, what accomplishments can you name to prove me wrong? Seriously, because I can't find a single one.

You're wrong.I refuse to believe it.I- I'm a genius, I have purpose –

THEN WHAT IS IT? Tell me! If you're so ridiculously smart, if you're such an effing genius, than tell me! What is your purpose? What's the point of your existence? And, even if you did have one, do you honestly think that it would change anything?

. . .

No. No, it won't change a damn thing. Yeah, sure, the wreck and everything shook you a little, but you're only gonna go back. Slowly, you'll start being a little less alert, and a little more lenient. You'll stop standing so straight, and soon you'll be back to your old slouch, and you can forget about shortening your naps, Nara, and about not wasting your time, because we both know it's a losing battle. Face it; you're nothing. And you easily proved as much tonight.

I – no, I . . .You don't, you don't know, you- I don't . . . I-

"Shikamaru."

He jumped so high that he almost took off into orbit, and when he finally landed, he was half off the bed, and choking so hard on his own spit that his eyes watered. Shikaku calmly watched his son flail around like a dying fish for a few more moments before walking over and thumping him so hard on the back that his chest touched his knees. This did nothing, and so father watched son finally regain his breath and fix him with a glare so deadly you could practically hear Naruto whimper from here. The mere thought of his blonde friend made Shikamaru look from his father's eye to the window, silent and still. Shikaku cocked an eyebrow.

"So how are you feeling?"

"I just survived a death defying car crash and subsequent murder attempt, Tou-san. I feel fantastic, thanks for caring enough to ask." His voiced was bland sarcasm dipped in acid. Shikaku couldn't care less.

"Your mother wanted to come up, but she's keeping Kushina company while Minato gets them some overnight stuff from their home. He'll be a while, so I thought I'd get a head start on your Kaa-san." Shikamaru flinched. He already knew how his mother would react, how she'd probably crush every bone in his body as she hugged him and soak him in tears. He sighed.

Maybe Minato'll get into a crash, too.

Shikaku scanned the quaint hospital room, and spotting the empty bed across from his son's, he began towards it at a leisurely pace, trying to sort his thoughts. The anxiety was extinguished the moment he stepped into the door, the moment he saw his only child sitting up and alive, the moment he could confirm that his pride and joy was alright. But, now that his worries were abated, it was now time to confront Shikamaru on what happened, however hard it may be for him to speak.

Shikamaru was sitting there, hands clasped together, flicking his fingers up and down, one after the other, trying to think of something to say, trying to think of way to keep the silence, trying to think of a way to keep his sanity. He was ready to pull his hair out, but he just kept the same straight, blank face as his fingers kept up their steady beat.

"Chōji and Neji are in critical condition, and their recovery is uncertain. Kiba's fine, along with his mutt, and Naruto won't wake up out of his coma. No one knows where Sasuke is, you know, if you even care." Shikaku stared at his son, watched as his expression became hooded, and his eyes unreadable because of his slightly bowed head. "The boy Gaara told me what happened as we walked up here. He told me how everyone fought, what you all did. He told me everything." Shikaku stared at his son, watched as he remained perfectly still. Perfectly blank.

"I spoke briefly with the girl that saved you. She seemed very head strong, very confident. Something we both noticed you lacking in," Shikaku said calmly. "I also spoke to a nurse on my way up here, and she said that you didn't even need this room. She told me you could be out there in the waiting room, confronting that girl, but I see you chose to run away."

"She was troublesome. I wanted to avoid anymore pointless conversation. I'm not a girl."

"And you're not a man, either. Just a spineless coward." The temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees, but beads of sweat formed on Shikamaru's neck and back, anyway. "You gave up, didn't you?"

The silence was his only answer. The only answer he needed.

"You watched as everyone else fought with courage, and prepared to die, and you were about to just fall to your knees and give up. You would have abandoned them all, if only to be able to act like the scum that you apparently are. You would have left them to die."

Shikamaru thought that the cicadas outside the window were trying to be helpful in filling up the silence, because their constant chirping seemed to swell at that precise moment. He continued to stare down at his hands, at the splint on his left forefinger, thinking about gnawing it off to finally relieve that Kami-awful itch. He just continued to stare, saying nothing.

"I've always known that you had no motivation, no goals, no reason to be excited. I always hoped that maybe you'd find your niche and finally try. I didn't ever think that you'd sunken so far already. Do you just not care about anything, anymore? Nothing? Because, I just don't think you do, Shikamaru. And that fills me with total disgust, because you've been born with the talent to achieve great and miraculous things. You're just too selfish to even bother to try." At this, Shikamaru jerked his head up to stare at his father in disbelief, and then glare spitefully.

"Selfish? How am I being selfish in choosing to do what I want? You wanna know what selfish is? Trying to use your son to accomplish your dreams for you, because that's all you and Kaa-san seem to wanna do. She never finished Engineering school, and now she's fighting tooth and nail to force me in. You never did anything extraordinary, and now you're trying to force me to. Why can't I just live my life the way I want to, huh? Why can't I just be my own person?"

"Because then you'll be the death of the rest of us," Shikaku boomed. Shikamaru stared at his father in total disbelief. This was honestly the first time he'd ever heard his father yell. Ever. He was simply the calmest person he'd ever known, and to hear him so loud and so angry like that shook him, put him on edge. "Do you not realize how stupid you sound right now, you unmotivated sack of meat? You've been blessed with a ridiculously sharp mind, and you're just putting it to waste." Shikaku leaned forward as he glared. "Who do you think is gonna think up the next fool proof and infallible defense systems and weaponry, hm? Who do you think is gonna have the brains to help keep this country up and on its toes? I'll be dead, Minato'll be right after me. Kakashi already has a job, and that job just might get him killed before he can do anything."

Shikaku sighed and closed his eyes. "Shikamaru, you have talent – an unbelievable amount of talent –"

"But I don't want it!" Shikamaru bellowed. He jumped off the bed and stared at his dad with a crazed expression. "You really think that I would have chosen to be a genius if I had had the choice? Do you really believe that I would have chosen to be so 'special?'" His eyes flicked around nervously, until they finally landed on the full moon outside the window. "You think I don't realize how much of a disgrace I am? How much of a disgrace I am to the Clan? To you, to Kaa-san-?" He was cut off as a sharp pain hit the side of his face, and confused as to why he was suddenly staring at a wall. He looked up and watched his father lower his hand with a glare. When had he gotten up?

"Never repeat that again. You have done disgraceful things, but you are not a disgrace. And to believe that you are a disgrace to your Kaa-san is to spit on her name. She loves you more than life itself. You will never be a disgrace in her eyes, nor will you be one in mine. I will not allow it." Shikamaru dropped his eyes dropped his eyes and allowed his eyes to roam.

"I was this close to being erased. To being forgotten. My entire existence would have been entirely useless up to that point. But, what scares me the most is the fact that I'm not sure if it even matters, or if it ever will." He's known, for as long as he could remember, he's known that his birth was a total waste. His genius and prowess could have been gifted to someone – anyone that would make use of it. But, instead, it was just him. What a waste.

Shikaku stared at him for a moment, then turned his eyes to the ceiling and sighed. "I know how you feel. I'm a lazy good for nothing, too, or did you forget? Look, I'm telling you this because I don't want you to go down the same dead roads that I went down. Sleep your life away, and then when you wake up, wonder what the Hell happened. How did everything come away from you so fast?" He grabbed his son's shoulder tightly and gave them a firm squeeze, urging him to look him in the eye. "I just want to make sure you don't start to finally care when it's too late. Your friends all almost died – you almost died, son. Please, even if you don't care about your life, even if you hate it, and you hate me, at least care enough about your Kaa-san to care about yourself. Because, if anything were to happen to you, she would be destroyed. At least think about it, because then maybe the next time, you'll want to keep fighting until the bitter end." He smirked at his son. "And you better believe that we all have the faith that you will make it, and you will make it worth your time to care."

Shikamaru just stared at his dad, unable to say a thing. He has faith in me. All of them. His friends' faces all burst through his mind's eye – and not just Naruto, Kiba, and Neji, but everyone. All of them would have been hurt if something happened to him. They all cared about him. Why hadn't he ever thought about it? Maybe . . . maybe he does care. Maybe he does have a reason to fight. Maybe-

"Shikamaru!" The door to the room burst open and slammed against the wall. The young Nara heir jumped and then spun in surprise to see his frantic mother, eyes full of worry and brimming with tears. "I'm sorry it took so long, I just – Kushina, and then the police came and were asking for statements and, I just, I – oh my baby!" She darted over to him, tears gushing down her cheeks as she pulled him into a warm, loving, bone crushing hug. "Oh I was so worried! I thought you died! I thought my world ended! Oh, my son, oh I'm so glad you're okay!" she cried. Shikamaru stared blankly over her shoulder, and then was brought back to reality as he felt his own tears falling. He slowly brought his arms up around her, and soon his sobs were joining hers.

Shukaku watched the two most important people in his life, finally begin to truly bond with each other. He knew, of course, that all wrongs had yet to be righted, and that they would still be in this fragile, fledgling state, but he had faith in his family. Speaking of which, he needed to go and find Minato, now that he's back, and update him on their plan, and how they were gonna finally take out those four Sound temes once and for all. He quietly left the room, and silently closed the door behind him. Safely outside the door, away from his son, his rage and hatred could be clearly shown on his face. They were going to get them, and make them pay for what they did.

You do not mess with Fire Nation Shinobi. We will kill you. And, you Tayuya, you will wish you had never messed with my child.

Kiba was looking down at his Nee-chan sitting on the floor next to his bed with a frown. Akamaru's next whine made his frown deepen. "Nee-chan –"

"Save it Otouto. I already told you, if he doesn't stretch his muscles some, they'll get very stiff and he'll experience ten times the pain."

"Yeah, stretch some, but –"

"Who's the vet here, brat?" Kiba bared his teeth at his older sister. "Just shut up and rest. The pup's fine. Speaking of which, are you alright? Is your wound okay? Do you need more pain medication?" Kiba snorted.

"I'm fine, sis. Just shut up and rest." He mocked in an almost perfect imitation of his sister's voice, if only a little deeper. Hana smirked, and giving the whining puppy's joints one last stretch, she gently set down his paws, and smiled as he huffed grumpily and fell into a fitful sleep. "Rest well, little one." She said affectionately as she rubbed his silky smooth ears.

"The pup's finally sleeping?" Tsume walked in and quietly shut the door behind her, walking to the foot of her son's bed.

"Yeah, just finished his impromptu exercise right before you walked in. He won't be walking for a while; tendons in all four of his arms and legs were ripped. But his life isn't in danger." Kiba tried to get out of his bed so he could pick up his dog, but the slight movement caused him to wince sharply and grit his teeth in pain. Hana narrowed her eyes. "No walking for you, either. Your stab wound is deep. You have to give your body time to heal." Kiba dropped his head back onto his pillow and glared at the ceiling.

"When I get my hands those freakin' twins –"

"You will only be confronting them in your dreams, pup. I will be handling their demise, so you just sit back and rest," Tsume said firmly. Kiba turned his head sharply to stare out of the corner of his eye at her in disbelief, and then in rage.

"What? Those temes stabbed me! They're mine! I don't need my mother interfering in my fights!" He snarled. Tsume's eyes narrowed as her hands clenched on the small metal rail connected to the bed.

"You can barely get out of bed, they are all experienced fighters and killers, and you're just some bratty kid that barely escaped them the first time. What makes you think you'd do any better the second time around?" She said through slitted eyes.

"I don't need you telling me what to do." He spat. In the blink of an eye, Tsume was hovering over him, killer intent spilling out of her, sharpened teeth bared, and clawed hand hovering over him. The nail on her ring finger was half a centimeter from piercing his eye. He was frozen, as was Hana on the floor. Sensing the atmosphere, Akamaru had woken up, and was also frozen, wide eyed.

"You wanna check yourself, pup? I'm the alpha of this clan, and not to mention your Kaa-san. You will do as I tell you, and I expect you to do it quietly. You may not like my decisions, but you will respect them." He swallowed and wheezed out a weak, "Hai."

She climbed off of him, and resumed her earlier position at the foot of his bed, hands clenched on the metal railing. Hana sighed as she stood up, already having coaxed Akamaru back to sleep. "Kiba, please, were all on edge. You almost died, Otouto. And even if you had made it out all right, that wouldn't change the fact that those Sakon and Ukon characters are now Kaa-san's and mine to finish off." Tsume jerked her head to her daughter and cocked a stiff eyebrow.

"And just what gave you the idea that you would be assisting me in tearing them to pieces. You think I need your help, daughter?" Hana smiled faintly and shook her head.

"Of course not, Kaa-san. It's just the moment they put their hands on my Otouto, they immediately became my targets. You have to remember that I care about Kiba just as much as you do." Tsume shook her head and pried her hands off the rail, leaving the imprints of her fingers.

"That is where you are wrong, Hana. There is no bond on this planet that can compare to that of a mother and her child. It is impossible. You will understand completely when you bare pups of your own." She put a hand on her daughter's shoulder and grinned sadistically. But I do understand how you feel. You and your companions are permitted to join Kuromaru and I in ridding this Earth of them. But the one named Sakon is mine to destroy. He was the one that plunged the knife through his body, so he is the one I will pleasure myself in tearing apart," She said with that feral grin of her's. Hana only smirked.

"Wakkata."

"Oi! When are you gonna go and find him? And how? We don't even know where they are!" Kiba shouted in frustration as he clenched his fists under the blanket.

"You're forgetting the most important part of the situation, Kiba. The Sound Four still have an Uchiha child, and not just some random clan member, but second son to the head," She said calmly as she turned to look at him. "And considering that Uchiha fugaku is also head of the Police Force, Minato has already ordered that he tell him of his findings. And once Minato knows, he will tell the rest of us, and we will act from there. We have already worked out the details of the plan, so the only thing you need to do is focus on healing." Sudden;y she glared scarily at him. "And you'd better be grateful, pup. That was all classified information, but because I know you wouldn't be able to relax while not knowing, I decided that I'd go ahead and tell. I'm sure the rest of them'll tell their kids soon enough. Well, probably only Hiashi and Shukaku," she said as she cocked her head. "I don't think soft Chōji and naïve Naruto would be able to handle the news that their parents would do something like this." She shrugged and turned towards the door.

"I'm going to go report back that you're fine, that Hana will be joining us, and that you're in the know, you little brat." She scowled. "You better keep that big mouth of yours shut." Kiba scowled right back in irritation, but stayed silent. "I'm also gonna check on 'em, make sure they're all alright." Kiba frowned.

"Naruto still not awake?" Tsume shook her head.

"Not that I know of, no. I'm not trying to get your hopes up, but I'm sure he'll be fine. That kid always is." And with that, she turned and left, closing the door behind her. Kiba frowned at the door for a moment, then turned to his sister and looked as her curiously.

"Hey, you never told me; Why was Kaa-san already here? I remember seeing her when I came in."

"You remember our 3rd cousin, Mai, right?" Kiba nodded. "Well, her stitches opened back up, and so Kaa-san brought her here. She was talking with Tsunade when you all came in. That's when she called me. Why?" Kiba grinned and turned his eyes back to the ceiling.

"Nothing, it's just . . . I was thinking about her. Thinking about how mad she'd be if I gave up. I was just so tired you, know? But I just kept hearing her nagging and yelling in my head, and when I was just gonna finally ignore her and go to sleep, there she was, for real. And, the only thing on my mindwas 'Thanks, Kaa-san. You just saved my life.'" Hana could hear the affection in his voice as he spoke. She walked up to him and ruffled his hair affectionately.

"Wow, Inuzuka Tsume and Kiba showing love for something other than violence or their companions on the same day? Why, it's a Christmas miracle," she said with a smile. He grumbled and let out a slightly slurred "Urusai," as he leaned his head into her touch, though she could see he was fighting to stay awake. Her smile only softened as she was filled with love at the sight of her beloved brother. She began to run her fingers through his hair.

"Sleep, Otouto. Kaa-san and I will take care of everything."

AN: Okay, so, that was a pretty good second chapter, if I do say so myself. Though, I'll probably randomly come back in like a year or two to clean the whole story up. So, right now as I type this, it's 11:25 at night on Sunday, but this shall be posted on Monday, so yeah. Know that I did finish the day before you're reading.

Review, review, review! I want to know what you all think and how I can improve! I want to know how you guys feel and why! Also, if you want some scene or something included in this, tell me and I'll see what I can do. And, if I don't use it in this specific story, I'll see if I can include it in a different one.

To those who have favorited/are following my story, THANK YOU! Seeing that gave me the inspiration I needed to get over my writer's block and crank out this chappie! Cheers for muse!

Anyhoo, don't forget to check out my DeviantArt account (bookworm_always14) for my original works.

I wish you all a good night, and a good day at school tomorrow, 'cuz I already know I'm gonna be dead asleep by third period. Man, it's 11:31 pm right now, and I still gotta go take a shower. Pray that I didn't drown T.T Pip for now!

Peace&Penguins