Chapter 2 - Missing
This was Kiba's favorite part of the day, walking around the village at night. One reason is that everything and everyone is peaceful and silent. Gone are the busy-body noise of the villagers' morning routines, and the mixed smell of every household cooking their breakfasts. Sometimes, both hurt his sensitive ears and nose.
All he can smell right now are the trees and the river nearby. All he can hear are the crickets and occasional dog barks, shooing off some cat or alerting the other dogs of approaching suspicious dogs-and yes, his and Akamaru's footsteps.
Another reason is that he can spend time alone thinking...about Hinata. He has liked her ever since they were twelve. And he has also known that ever since, Hinata has a crush on Naruto. He tried moving on. Now, after three years, they've all grown up and matured in a way. He thought that time would make him forget or discard his feelings for her. But they're teammates, they are with each other every day and in every mission. It's difficult.
So during those three years, he started dating other girls. But it's of no use, he still likes Hinata. She just gets prettier and prettier each time he looks at her.
It's just not normal anymore. Kiba thought. When would this so-called 'puppy love' end?
They stopped at a certain tree in the forest. It was Kiba and Akamaru's teritority. Akamaru marked it using his pee, so that those around can smell his mark. While Kiba did random scratches at one side of the tree.
He was still lost in his thoughts when Akamaru started whimpering.
"Huh? What is it, buddy?" He sniffed the air. There was nothing unusual. Yet, something is not right. He heightened his hearing, but there was nothing unusual.
Akamaru started groaning to the direction of the forest. Kiba was confused.
"What is it Akamaru? I don't see anything unusual." After saying so, he suddenly felt dizzy and an awful pounding in the head. Akamaru was barking furiously. Kiba fell on his knees. Shit. "A...Akamaru..." But before he could finished, Akamaru ran to the direction of the village. All he saw was Akamaru's retreating figure before everything went black.
The next morning, Hinata was having her breakfast when a servant came in and bowed.
"Hyuuga-sama, Aburame-sama is outside looking for you."
Hinata gave a small nod. "Thank you. I'll be with him shortly."
The servant bowed again and left. Hinata finished her breakfast quickly. That's weird. Shino-kun never comes here. Unless... she let her thoughts trail away and went outside the gates.
"Good morning, Shino-kun!" she greeted him.
"Hinata-chan, I'm sorry for bothering you at this time of the day, but you have to come with me." At Hinata's nervous and questioning look, he added, "It's urgent."
As if that explains it all. Hinata thought to herself. "O-okay. Where?"
"At Inuzuka Hana's place, Kiba's older sister. I'll explain when we get there."
Hinata just gave a nod and followed him as he started running and jumping from roof to roof. She was extremely nervous. I hope this has nothing to do with Kiba or Akamaru. She thought. But something tells her that when Hana-san is involved, then her hope is impossible to happen.
Upon reaching the Inuzuka household, she noticed the sad atmosphere of the place. She and Shino took a beeline to Hana-san's room. The first thing she saw upon entering is Akamaru all snuggled up in bed. Hearing her arrival, he immediately jumped up and pounced on her.
"Akamaru!" she hugged him, "What's happening?" she asked to no one specifically.
"Kiba is missing." Hana answered.
"W-what?" Hinata stopped from patting Akamaru and stared at Hana, wide-eyed. Akamaru started whimpering.
"He went missing last night after dinner. He went for his usual evening walks and never came back. Akamaru hardly even made it. We heard his desperate barks five blocks from here and immediately went to him." she knelt and patted Akamaru.
Hinata was speechless. There are many more things she want to know but nothing is coming out of her mouth. She just kept opening and closing them. Shino spoke for her.
"What do you mean Akamaru hardly made it?"
Hana sttod back up. "When we got to him, I found out that he had breathed in a large amount of chloroform which made him faint. I immediately tried to extract it with my chakra, but it made him weak. There might still be a trace of it in his body which is why he wasn't able to take us to where Kiba was last seen last night."
Shino nodded knowingly. "It was my kikaichu that alerted me of what happened here. Which is why I immediately brought you with me." Shino told Hinata.
"I know that." Hana said. "We have noticed your kikaichu hanging around. But we detected no trace of malice, so we let them be. May I ask now, why is it?"
Hinata looked at Shino, wanting to ask the same question but could barely speak of shock and worry.
"These past few days," Shino started, "my kikiachu haven't been their usual self. So, yesterday, when we were supposed to do our training, I didn't join them because I wanted to know what has been bothering my bugs. I stayed home and inspected them through the chakra that has connected us together. But nothing. They were suddenly their usual self, only a hint of nervousness was found."
"After thinking it through," he continued, "I realized that they were only like that when Kiba is not around. They don't become nervous or bothered at all. That's when I realized that something is not right either with him or the people around him. I sent two bugs to check on the Inuzuka household and another one to follow Kiba." He paused. "However, the one I sent for Kiba came back. I guess it was at that time he went out for his walks. I forgot he has those every day, but I don't know where he goes. I just sent the bug back in the Inuzuka household to wait for Kiba's arrival.
"But it came back this morning, showing that it was never able to find its target." Shino finished.
"I understand." Hana said.
"W-what about today? Can't anyone find where he has been today?" Hinata asked quietly.
"We tried. But Akamaru is not leaving his bed. He's grieving for his brother." She sighed. "This is what happens when we get separated from our dogs. We have been bind together since birth, which is why they only follow one master. Even though it was my mother ordering Akamaru around, he would not listen. It's only Kiba he listens to. So when separation occurs, each one each one would really suffer emotionally."
"When you came in," Hana continued, while looking at Hinata, "that was the only time I saw his eyes light up. It seems to me that he is somehow attached to you, too."
Hinata got a bit taken aback. "M-me? W-why?"
She gave Hinata a curious look. "I don't know." she said quietly. "Unless..." she clicked her tongue. "Never mind. It's not important for now. We need to find Kiba. My mother has already alerted the Hokage about the situation. You have to go to her...and find my brother."
Shino gave a nod. "We will find him, Hana-san."
"We promise." Hinata added.
It was the only time since they came that Hinata saw Hana's eyes water. Even while explaining what happened, Hana was monotonous. Hinata can only imagine the feeling of worry and dread the whole clan is having right now.
As they turn to leave, Akamaru barked and followed.
"He wants to go with you." Hana said. "He wants to find his brother, too."
Hinata nodded. "We will take care of Akamaru, too, Hana-san."
Hana looked at her straight in the eyes. Hinata saw the dread, worry, and confusion there. But she was clearly trying to be strong. "I trust you." she whispered.
Those three words made Hinata straighten up. She felt proud. Stronger. Confident. Determined. She knows that it was hard enough for Hana to leave Akamaru with her, even if they are Kiba's team mates. But she also know how hard it was for her to say that she trusts her. She, who everyone thought was plain, weak, shy and not fit of fighting. But Hana trusts her with her brother and Akamaru's life.
Hinata swores to herself that she would not be the damsel in distress this time.
Done with Chapter two! I hope you'll still be looking forward to Chapter 3. :D